Menstrual cycle and voluntary food intake in young Chinese women

Abstract

The effect of menstrual cycle phase on energy and macronutrients intakes was assessed in 20 university students (21.2 ± 1.3 years) all of whom experienced ovulatory cycle as documented by a surge in urinary luteinizing hormone. Three-day food intake records, which consisted of one weekend day, were kept in both mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases. Mean daily energy intake was higher (p = 0.02) in the luteal phase (6978 ± 1847 kJ) than in the follicular phase (6095 ± 1174 kJ). Intakes of carbohydrate and fat were also significantly elevated (by 15 and 21%, respectively) in the luteal phase. The menstrual phase effect on energy intake was attributed to the substantially higher intakes from Thursday through Sunday in the luteal phase. The proportion of energy from the three macronutrients was not affected by menstrual phase nor day of the week.