Analysis of reproductive dysfunction induced by asynchrony between daily life and dietary life rhythm in post-adolescent stage

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K00903
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Kyoto Notre Dame University
• Principal Investigator: FUJIWARA Tomoko 京都ノートルダム女子大学, 現代人間学部, 教授 (60310744)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 中田 理恵子 奈良女子大学, 生活環境科学系, 准教授 (90198119) ; 藤原 浩 金沢大学, 医学系, 教授 (30252456)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ポスト思春期 / 生殖機能 / 摂食リズム / ダイエット / 食育プログラム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To investigate relationship between reproductive function and dietary habits, we conducted the questionnaire survey for female college students corresponding to “post-adolescent stage” when the sexual maturation proceeds after menarche. The results showed that skipping breakfast is associated with dysmenorrhea and irregular menses. Consequently, to further confirm the adverse effects of the inadequate timing of food intake during circadian rhythmus on reproductive function, we additionally performed animal experiments using young adult female rats, and found that estrus cycle was disturbed when food intake was strictly limited to the non-active period (light phase). These results strongly suggest that the timing of food intake during circadian rhythmus is one of important factors that regulate female reproductive function. Our findings will also contribute to developing a new dietary education program to reduce the adverse effects on reproductive functions in young women.

Free Research Field

食生活学