Question

What is the most important nutritional factor affecting menarche (the start of menses) for girls during puberty?

A) hormones from cow's milk
B) avoiding soda and fast food
C) adequate calorie intake and body fat stores
D) adequate fiber intake from plant foods

Answer 1

Adequate calorie intake and body fat stores are the most crucial nutritional factors influencing the onset of menarche in girls, as they are closely linked with the hormonal regulation necessary for starting puberty.

The correct option C

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important nutritional factor affecting menarche (the start of menses) for girls during puberty is C) adequate calorie intake and body fat stores. Nutrition, including sufficient caloric intake and body fat, has a significant bearing on the onset of puberty and menarche. Body fat plays a particularly crucial role because it secretes leptin, a hormone important for regulating the start of puberty. Moreover, instances such as athletic females with low body fat, like gymnasts, often experience delayed menarche, highlighting the importance of body fat in these processes.