( CNN ) -- 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 1 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 woman 's reproductive system . The study cites research dating back to 1983 examining such a possible link . According to the study , the 120 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 210 mg of gamma linolenic acid , 175 mg of oleic acid , 345 mg of linoleic acid , 250 mg of other polyunsaturated acids and 20 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 B6 , ascorbic acid and niacin .
A new study suggests esential fatty acids may help ease the symptoms of PMS . The report found significant reductions in symptoms among women studied . Such substances are found in nuts , some vegetable oils and fish , as well as supplements .