"Taking dietary supplements containing essential fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome according to the results of study by researchers at a Brazilian university. The study published Monday in the journal Reproductive Health found that taking capsules containing about  gram of a blend of three essential fatty acids produced a significant reduction in PMS symptoms. Essential fatty acids are substances that are not produced by the human body and are only available from diet. Eggs nuts vegetable oils and fish are examples of foods that provide such acids which are also available in supplement form. The study authored by researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco is not the first to address the possible link between PMS and essential fatty acids substances that play a complicated role in a womans reproductive system. The study cites research dating back to  examining such a possible link. According to the study the  women who participated reported few side effects and most of those were mild and may have been due to sensitivity to mineral oil the placebo taken by some of the participants. The supplements taken by women in the study contained  mg of gamma linolenic acid  mg of oleic acid  mg of linoleic acid  mg of other polyunsaturated acids and  mg of vitamin E according to researchers. According to the study women who took the supplements for six months saw a bigger benefit than those who took them for three months. The researchers do not make any recommendation in their study about whether women who suffer from PMS should increase their intake of essential fatty acids or instead consult with their doctor. Other treatments studied for PMS include vitamin B ascorbic acid and niacin."