[Nutritional factors influencing menarche. Impact on health]

In recent years, there has been a trend toward earlier menarche, which is associated with subsequent health problems. Analyzing the impact of diet on this trend is the objective of this review. Prolonged breastfeeding and a high-quality diet with adequate consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and low consumption of red and processed meats, sugary drinks, sodium, and trans fats are considered beneficial in combating early menarche and its subsequent heaalth consequences. Higher energy and protein intakes were associated with the risk of early menarche. For every additional 1 g/day of animal protein in childhood, the age of menarche was advanced by approximately two months. Excess calories also contribute to earlier menarche due to their contribution to body fat accumulation.