Supplements - which the study did not find linked to PMS symptoms - are a popular way to treat PMS, even though there’s no evidence they are effective, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The fact that they are so popular may explain why there was only a link for vitamin B-rich food, and not supplements. Bertone-Johnson said women who are more likely to have PMS may be taking them to treat it, which could skew the results to show less of an effect.

For women who don’t already have PMS, Bertone-Johnson suggests just eating a healthy diet based on a wide variety of foods.

This way, a woman is “going to be getting a sufficient amount of these nutrients, as well as other beneficial things,” she said.

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online February 23, 2011.