Pregnancy, Women Underrepresented in Nutrition Reference Value Research

MONDAY, Nov. 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Women and pregnant people are underrepresented in research that informs nutrient reference values, according to a study published online Oct. 22 in Science Advances.

Emily R. Smith, Sc.D., M.P.H., from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues examined whether the historical underrepresentation of women and pregnant people in research extended to research informing nutrient reference values, such as the U.S. and Canadian Dietary Reference Index (DRI).

The researchers extracted data from 704 studies after screening the DRI reports for 23 micronutrients. In 23 percent of the studies, women were excluded, and they accounted for a smaller proportion of the sample size (29 percent). Seventeen percent of the studies included pregnant or lactating people. Studies that were most likely to include men only were those that used rigorous design elements such as controlled feeding and stable isotope studies. More than 90 percent of studies did not report race or ethnicity.

“Future versions of these national and international guidance reports should include metrics of diversity and inclusion, and any data used must be examined for sex-specific effects. Funders and researchers must redouble their efforts to include women and pregnant people in studies that can inform future versions of the nutrient reference values,” Smith said in a statement. “Ultimately such efforts would help the private sector, governments, and the public get the nutritional information needed to support good health.”

One author disclosed financial ties to Balchem.

Abstract/Full Text