The effect of the human menstrual cycle on nutrient intake.

The dietary intakes of eight human females were obtained by interview each day for 60 days to determine whether the menstrual cycle affected nutrient intake. Analysis showed that over the menstrual cycle there were fluctuations in carbohydrate consumption, but not in protein and fat consumption. The mean post period (preovulation) intake was between 51.6% to 56.4% of the preperiod (postovulation) consumption. The evidence indicates that women eat more carbohydrate per day after they ovulate than before.