EFFECT OF THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE ON ENERGY AND NUTRIENT INTAKE

Midfollicular and midluteal dietary intakes of 18 women were evaluated between four and six ovulatory menstrual cycles. Phase lengths were e stablished by basal body temperatures and urinary luteinizing hormone excretion. Midfollicular and midluteal diet records were collected 6-8 d after menstrual onset and 6-8 d after ovulation, respectively. Sign ificant increases in energy [0.66 MJ (159 kcal), P = 0.003], protein ( 6.1 g, P = 0.02), carbohydrate (15.3 g, P = 0.04), and fat (8.6 g, P = 0.002) intakes were observed in midluteal phase when compared with mi dfollicular phase. Intakes of vitamin D, riboflavin, potassium, phosph orus, and magnesium also were significantly higher during midluteal ph ase (P < 0.05). These results support the regulation of food intake by menstrual cycle hormones and suggest that it is essential to consider phase of menstrual cycle in studies of nutrient intake performed in p remenopausal women.