The effect of physical activity on nutritional status in menstrual phases

This study was carried out to determine the effect of physical activity on nutritional status in menstrual phases. The study was carried out between February 1, 2023 and April 26, 2023 with the voluntary participation of 87 women aged 20-45, grouped according to their physical activity levels. Information about the demographic and menstruation process of the women was obtained by face-to-face interview method using a questionnaire. Physical activity levels were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (UFAA) and groups were formed. Menstrual cycle was divided into 3 different phases and 3 days of food consumption were recorded in these phases. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined by the nutrient analysis program. SPSS 25.0 program was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of the participants in our study was determined as 26.23. It was observed that the appetite of the participants increased in 77.0% of the participants in the premenstrual period, 39.1% in the menstrual period, and 6.9% in the postmenstrual period. It was determined that the average of the energy they took in the premenstrual period (X̄ =1481,22 kcal) was higher than the average of the energy they took in the postmenstrual period (X̄ =1270,43 kcal). It was determined that the average of carbohydrates consumed in the premenstrual period (X̄ =150.37 g) was higher than the average of carbohydrates consumed in the postmenstrual period (X̄ =126.24 g). Although there was no significant difference between the protein intake in the menstrual period (p>.05) and the physical activity they did, they took it in the premenstrual (F:7.923, p<.05) and postmenstrual (F:3.164, p<.05) periods. A statistically significant difference was found between the protein they consume and the physical activity they have done. As a result, a significant relationship was found between physical activity and food consumption, which varies in menstrual phases. It is thought that adequate and balanced nutrition will be sustainable with healthy nutrition programs that will be prepared taking into account physical activity and appetite in menstrual phases. More studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and nutritional status in menstrual periods.