Actively Recruiting
Phenylalanine Requirements in the Menstrual Phases
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-05-07
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
135 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained through food. Current adult phenylalanine recommendation is based on male-conducted studies and set the same for females. These recommendations may not be appropriate for females, as they do not take into consideration the hormonal changes over the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is a rhythmic hormonal process split into two phases, with hormones regulating metabolism differently. The aim of this study is to find phenylalanine requirement for healthy, menstruating females. An innovative, non-invasive technique utilizing pre-determined diets, safe stable isotopes, and a simple breath collection method will be used. Previous work done by Elango Lab investigators has applied this method to investigate other amino acids in pregnant, non-pregnant, and lactating females as well as in children.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Phenylalanine Requirements in the Menstrual Phases
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- People with menstrual cycles
- Between the ages of 20 to 35 years
- Regular menstrual cycle (21-35 day cycle) for the past 12 months
- Body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 28 kg/m2
- Free from pre-existing health conditions
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently using hormonal birth control or any contraceptive that affects sex hormones
- On hormone therapy
- Abnormal menstrual cycle history
- Non-traditional dietary practices
- Recent weight loss or weight gain
- History of endocrine disorders
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Given birth in the last 18 months
- Depend on medication that affects normal metabolism
- Have metabolic, neurological, genetic, or immune disorders likely to affect nutritional needs or metabolism
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
BC Children's Hospital Research Institute
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 4H4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rajavel Elango
CONTACT
P
Paloma DeLisle
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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