The annual meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists, a group of scientists and researchers who study and develop foods, is taking place right now in Florida. During one of the sessions, a food toxicologist revealed that the number of study participants is skewed towards men. Consequently, the results of such studies may not be as reflective of women, or women's physiology, than they are of men's.
The Society for Women's Health Research found that the biggest reasons for non-participation (16% each) are lack of interest and worry about the risk. Until more women decided to participate in these studies, bringing up the numbers to equal men's participation, women should realize that not every result might apply in the same way to them, as metabolism, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, lactation and menopause all might affect the outcome. Consequently, the results of some studies might need to be taken with a grain of salt, even the ones about salt.
The Society for Women's Health Research has more information about current studies and ongoing research.
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