Phenylalanine Requirements in the Menstrual Phases
This study aims to find out how much of an important nutrient, called phenylalanine, healthy women need, specifically looking at how these needs might change during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Phenylalanine is found in food and is vital for our bodies. Currently, recommendations for how much phenylalanine people need are based on studies mostly done on men, and don't consider the hormone changes women experience each month. This research hopes to create better nutrition guidelines for women by understanding their unique needs. We will use a safe and simple breath test with special diets to measure this, similar to methods successfully used in other studies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Phenylalanine is a vital nutrient your body needs, like many vitamins and minerals, and you get it from the food you eat. Currently, the advice given for how much phenylalanine people should have in their diet is based on studies mostly done on men. This study believes that these recommendations might not be accurate for women because women's bodies go through unique hormone changes during their monthly menstrual cycle.
Your menstrual cycle involves different phases, and the hormones active in each phase can affect how your body uses nutrients. This research aims to understand if the amount of phenylalanine a woman needs changes depending on whether she is in the earlier (follicular) or later (luteal) stage of her menstrual cycle. By doing this, we hope to develop more precise and appropriate dietary guidelines specifically for women, taking into account these natural bodily changes.
To figure this out, we will use a safe and gentle method. Participants will follow specific diets and take a tiny amount of a special, safe substance that helps us track phenylalanine. We will then collect breath samples, which is a simple and non-invasive way to measure how the body is using this nutrient. This method has been successfully used in previous studies to understand nutrient needs in other groups, including pregnant women and children.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to update nutrient advice for women.
- It focuses on an essential nutrient called phenylalanine.
- Researchers want to see if needs change during the menstrual cycle.
- The study uses a safe diet and simple breath test method.
- Participants are healthy women aged 20-35 with regular periods.
- Your involvement could help improve future health guidelines for women.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy women, aged between 20 and 35 years old, who have regular menstrual periods.
To be eligible, your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18 and 28 kg/m2, and you should not have any ongoing health problems. You also shouldn't be following any very unusual diets.
However, you won't be able to take part if you are using hormonal birth control (like the pill, implant, or coil) or any other hormone therapy, or if you have a history of irregular periods, endocrine disorders, or other medical conditions that might affect your metabolism. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have given birth in the last 18 months, are also not eligible, nor are those taking medications that affect normal body processes.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman between 20 and 35 years old?
- Do you have regular monthly periods (not on hormonal birth control)?
- Is your BMI generally within a healthy weight range (18-28 kg/m2)?
- Are you generally healthy with no ongoing medical conditions?
- Are you not currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have given birth in the last 18 months?
- Are you not taking any medications that affect your body's metabolism?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be studied across two different phases of your menstrual cycle. For each phase, you might be invited to participate in up to 7 study days. On each of these study days, you will receive a different amount of phenylalanine in your diet as part of the study. Each study day will involve consuming specific diets and providing breath samples to help us understand your phenylalanine needs. You will attend a pre-study day first to check if you are suitable. The aim is for each participant to contribute data for about 7 study days in total for each menstrual cycle phase, for a total of 14 study days over the full study period. There are no medications involved, and the focus is on diet and simple breath collection.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is phenylalanine?
It's an important nutrient, called an essential amino acid, that your body needs but can only get from food.
Why don't current recommendations work for women?
Current general recommendations don't usually consider how women's hormone levels change during their monthly cycle, which might affect their nutrient needs.
What does 'minimally invasive' mean?
It means the tests are very gentle and don't involve needles or surgery. We use special diets and collect breath samples.
How long will I need to be involved?
You might need to attend up to 7 study days for each of the two menstrual phases being studied, so potentially up to 14 days in total.
Will I have to take any medication?
No, this study focuses on diet and breath samples; no medication is involved.
How to find out more
Rajavel Elango
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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