Women's protein needs may change with their cycle, tiny study suggests

NCT ID NCT06533501

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether the amount of leucine (a key protein building block) women need changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Thirteen women with regular cycles ate controlled meals and gave breath and urine samples. The goal is to see if current one-size-fits-all protein guidelines for women need updating.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dietary leucine

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help set more accurate dietary protein recommendations for women, tailored to their menstrual cycle.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-stage study (13 participants) that only measures a metabolic marker, not health outcomes. Results may not apply to all women.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MENSTRUAL CYCLE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • BC Children's Hospital Research Institute

    Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada