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Milk Consumption after Age 9 Years Does Not Predict Age at Menarche
Jenny L Carwile1, Walter C Willett2, Molin Wang3
1Departments of Epidemiology.
The Journal of Nutrition
|July 3, 2015
Summary
Milk consumption in girls aged 9 and older does not significantly impact the timing of their first menstrual period. Higher milk intake was linked to a slight delay in menarche when body size was considered.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Milk consumption is recommended for bone health in children and adolescents.
- Milk intake may increase insulin-like growth factor I and potentially accelerate puberty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between milk consumption and the age of menarche.
- Prospective study using data from the Growing Up Today Study.
Main Methods:
- 5583 premenarcheal US girls (ages 9-14) were followed from 1996 to 2001.
- Annual food frequency questionnaires assessed milk and meat intake (1996-1998).
- Age at menarche was self-reported annually.
Main Results:
- Milk consumption frequency did not predict age at menarche in adjusted models.
- Girls consuming >3 glasses of milk daily were 13% less likely to attain menarche monthly, after adjusting for body size.
- Neither total nor red meat consumption was associated with age at menarche.
Conclusions:
- Regular milk consumption in girls aged 9+ is unlikely to substantially affect age at menarche.
- Dietary studies in early childhood may offer more insight into pubertal timing.
- Further research into diet and pubertal development is warranted.
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