Menstrual cycle and sex differences influence salt preference

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Premenstrual food cravings often involve high-sugar and high-fat items.
• Salt is also a palatable substance, yet its preference variation across the menstrual cycle is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if salt preference in women changes across different phases of the menstrual cycle.
• To compare salt preference between sexes.

Main Methods:

• 49 women and 31 men evaluated popcorn with varying salt concentrations (0M to 3M+).
• Women were tested during distinct menstrual cycle phases (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, luteal).

Main Results:

• Women in the luteal phase preferred unsalted popcorn less than those in ovulatory or follicular phases.
• Women in the menstrual phase found the saltiest popcorn less palatable compared to other phases.
• Men showed a higher preference for mildly salty popcorn (2M) than women.

Conclusions:

• Salt preference varies significantly across the menstrual cycle in women.
• Sex differences exist in salt preference, with men favoring moderate saltiness more than women.
• Perceived saltiness did not differ between sexes or among women across cycle phases.