Scientists at the New Trends in Sex Differences and Women’s Health Research conference are sharing their groundbreaking research that could shape the future of women's health. Here are some highlights on sex differences in nutrition.
A rodent study found that prenatal exposure to methylmercury above Environmental Protection Agency safety thresholds affected brain development and increased aggressive behavior during puberty.
Pregnant pescatarians can help protect their children’s brain development by choosing lower-mercury fish like salmon, tilapia, shrimp and light tuna. People in fishing or remote communities may face higher mercury exposure. Limiting or avoiding swordfish, grouper, albacore tuna, and certain regional freshwater fish like bass and lake trout reduces exposure during pregnancy.
A healthy diet during pregnancy supports both the mother and baby. But research shows that the mother experiencing severe undernutrition or not eating enough in the past—whether from dieting, food insecurity, eating disorders, or other medical conditions—can create health issues later on.
Mothers face heart and kidney problems, even if well-nourished during pregnancy, and babies may face development challenges and be born smaller, even at full term.
A study finds that estrogen can make the taste cells respond more strongly to fatty acids. This makes females more sensitive to the taste of fat, which means they may eat less of it. This sensitivity is lower in males, which could help explain why, generally speaking, they eat more fat.
However, these findings are also important for menopause care. Declining estrogen levels may reduce fat taste sensitivity, potentially leading to increased fat intake and contributing to postmenopausal weight gain.
Women’s risk of heart disease increases with age and loss of estrogen. What’s less widely known is that nitric oxide, a signaling molecule essential for normal heart function and health, also declines over time. Oral bacteria in the mouth convert nitrate-rich foods—such as beets, celery and leafy greens—to a form that can increase circulating levels of nitric oxide.
Research shows that postmenopausal women may also have lower levels of these oral bacteria. What this means: Microbiome-targeted therapies may help postmenopausal women get the heart healthy benefits that come from nitrate-rich foods to maintain their heart health.
Those with high blood pressure should get their zinc levels checked.
Zinc deficiency has been found to raise blood pressure and harm kidney health. Both sexes are affected, but males show more severity.
This underrecognized factor in hypertension and kidney disease could guide future treatments for both men and women. Foods such as cashews, beans, chickpeas and oats (also high in fiber!) as well as protein-rich eggs, beef, pork, crab and tofu have been shown to boost zinc levels.
(Newswise/TJ)