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.