Gustatory and food habit changes during the menstrual cycle.

Changes in flavour perception and eating habits during the menstrual cycle were studied in 8 women (6 non-smokers and 2 smokers, 23-37 yr old). The following parameters were evaluated during 3 consecutive menstrual cycles: blood oestradiol and progesterone levels on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of each cycle (by radioimmunoassay); detection and recognition thresholds and concn. preferences for sucrose, NaCl, citric acid and quinine sulphate on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day of each cycle; and food consumption (weighed record) on days 1 and 2, 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22 of each cycle. The 4 basic tastes (sweet, salt, acid and bitter) were influenced differently by blood hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Sensitivity to sweet taste increased with an increase of oestradiol, while sensitivity to bitter taste increased with an increase in progesterone. No correlations were observed between hormone levels and acid taste, and only a few correlations were observed for salt taste. Food habits changed significantly during the menstrual cycle, particularly the intakes of meat and fruit, Fe and fibre. Although vegetable and cereals intakes tended to vary during the menstrual cycle, these trends were not significant. Energy intakes tended to be lowest and predominantly provided by carbohydrates, particularly bread, when blood oestradiol concn. were highest. [From En summ.]