Comparison of the effect of vitamin E, vitamin D and ginger on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea: a single-blind clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common problems for women, especially during their reproductive age. Various studies have examined the effects of vitamins D and E and ginger supplements. This study aimed to investigate the individual effects of each of these supplements on dysmenorrhea. METHODS: This single-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2016 on students aged 18 to 25 years who complained of mild to severe dysmenorrhea. The participants were randomly assigned into 4 groups: vitamin D, vitamin E, ginger, and placebo. The effects of the supplements on the severity of dysmenorrhea were evaluated in 2 successive cycles using the visual analog scale (VAS) and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Initially, 240 female students were enrolled in the study; thereafter, 40 students were excluded from the study owing to follow-up loss. The average VAS score for dysmenorrhea in the entire study population was 7.13±0.80 before the intervention; the mean VAS score after the first and second months of supplement use was 5.37±1.51 and 4.93±1.48, respectively. The highest reduction in pain severity was observed in the ginger group (F=74.54, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D, vitamin E, and ginger significantly reduced the severity of dysmenorrhea, with ginger having the most significant effect followed by vitamin D and vitamin E. Given the low risk of these supplements, more studies must be conducted on their use as opposed to analgesics.

Impact of body mass index on pregnancy outcome

Pre-pregnancy obesity is considered as a significant predictor for neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Several studies have indicated conflicting associations between body mass index [BMI] and pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on adverse pregnancy outcomes. This cohort study was conducted from 2010 to 2013 in Qazvin province, Iran. BMI was measured in a total of 1376 pregnant women before their 12th week of pregnancy. The subjects were followed-up until the termination of their pregnancy and childbirth. Data collection was performed through checklists prepared by the researchers, which consisted of three parts: demographic features, obstetric history, and subsequent pregnancy outcome. For data analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and Mann- Whitney tests were performed, using SPSS version 16. In addition, adjusted odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] were measured. The risk of preeclampsia [OR: 5.36, CI: 2.505-11.49], gestational diabetes mellitus [OR: 5.092, CI: 1.67-15.46], cesarean section [OR: 1.959, CI: 1.37-2.79], and large for gestational age [OR: 4.735, CI: 1.402-15.98] was higher in overweight [2530 kg/m2], compared to women with below-normal and average weight. Pre-pregnancy obesity is strongly associated with certain pregnancy complications and perinatal conditions. Therefore, these complications implicate the need for pre-pregnancy counseling and weight loss in this group of women

Evaluation of 24-hour urine copper in preeclamptic vs. normotensive pregnant and non-pregnant women

The aim of this study was to evaluate copper status in women with preeclampsia. Sixty preeclamptic, sixty normotensive pregnant and sixty healthy non-pregnant women were enrolled in a cross sectional study. The 24-hour urine copper was compared among the women. There was significant difference in the copper concentration of 24-hour urine among the three groups due to the difference between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women [12.19 +/- 3.71 vs. 5.69 +/- 2.05, p<0.001]. The results of this study revealed that the level of urine copper increases preeclamptic pregnancy. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether observed alternation in copper precede preeclampsia or the difference may be attributed to preeclampsia-related alternations in maternal trace metal metabolism