The influence of the menstrual cycle on energy balance and taste preference in Asian Chinese XXXX .

@entity1 @entity28 @entity1735 @entity969 @entity3010
PURPOSE: In Caucasian @entity1 , research has shown that energy balance and taste preference change throughout the menstrual cycle. However, the contributory role of the menstrual cycle to @entity28 and insulin resistance among Asian @entity1 remains unclear. We investigate the impact of the menstrual cycle on energy balance and taste preference in Singaporean Chinese females. METHODS: Thirty-one healthy young Chinese female subjects with regular menstrual cycles were recruited. Anthropometrics, body composition, energy intake, resting metabolic rate, @entity3010 ( @entity3010 ) severity and taste preference to @entity969 were assessed during three phases (menses, follicular and luteal), over one (N  =  18) to two (N  =  13) menstrual cycles. RESULTS: For all subjects (N  =  31), we found significant reductions in energy, fat intake (p  <  0.05) and taste preference for @entity969 (p  <  0.05) in the luteal phase compared to early follicular phase as far as Cycle 1 is concerned. No significant differences were observed for @entity1735 and protein intake as well as @entity3010 score. In those evaluated for two full cycles (N  =  13), we found that taste preference for @entity969 and @entity3010 score were significantly higher in the menstrual phase in Cycle 2 (p  <  0.05). No significant differences were observed in energy and macronutrient intake throughout Cycle 2. RMR was similar across the three phases. However, non-significant cyclic variations were noted within and between the cycles. CONCLUSION: Cyclic variations in energy intake and expenditure contributed by sensory and behavioural changes occur during the menstrual cycle. Whether this contributes to cyclic weight gain is speculative and remains to be proven. Further research in non-Caucasians spanning more than one menstrual cycle is needed to establish the impact of the menstrual cycle on taste preference and energy balance.
