The Effect of Feeding Date Palm Fruit (Phoeix dactylifera L.) on Energy, Macronutrient, and Fiber Intakes of a Convenient Sample of Females

Abstract

Background: Female menstrual changes in hormone concentration influence appetite and eating behavior. As well, eating pattern has some influences on menstrual hormonal status. Feeding date palm fruit has been found in our previous report to affect menstrual hormones and some menstrual parameters. Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effect of feeding dates on energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes, body weight, and body fat%. Additionally, this study aims to find any correlation between menstrual hormone concentration and the above-mentioned parameters. Methods: A convenient sample (n=37) of not-sexually active females aged 20-30 were divided into two groups; one group (dates group) was fed 7 dates and the other served as a control group. The participants of the control group were exposed to the same experimental conditions except for eating dates. Throughout the feeding trial, the volunteers filled a 3-day food record; one menses day and two non-menses days. Results: There was a significant effect of the menstrual status-feeding duration interaction in terms of protein and fat intakes. Additionally, menstrual status, as well as feeding duration, affected energy and macronutrient intakes significantly. Furthermore, feeding duration affected fiber intake significantly. Despite the above-mentioned differences in energy and macronutrient intakes, these effects didn’t affect the body weight and body mass index of the study participants, neither their body fat%. Moreover, we have found significant correlations between nutrient intakes and menstrual hormone concentration. Conclusion: Feeding dates affected energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes significantly. These effects were related to the changes in menstrual hormone concentration.