Challenges in Achieving Adequate Dietary Status of Women

Launched by NUTRITION INSTITUTE, SLOVENIA · Dec 17, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

NutriFem is an observational study in Slovenia that looks at what women aged 20–49 eat and how this relates to their nutrient status and health. It will take a one-time “snapshots” of dietary intake and blood nutrient levels, along with some simple health measurements, to understand how well this group meets recommended nutrients (especially iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D). Researchers are also comparing women with different diets, including vegetarians and vegans, and will use tests like blood markers, body composition, skin measurements, and physical activity to see how these factors relate to overall nutritional health.

If you’re eligible, you would be a woman between 20 and 49 years old who consents to participate. Key inclusions are that you are female, 20–49, and willing to participate; exclusions include menopause or post-menopause, and pregnancy. For Part 2, there are special subgroups: vegetarians (followed vegetarian diet for at least 2 years and eat eggs/dairy more than once a month) and vegans (followed vegan diet for at least 2 years and avoid animal products more than once a month). About 3,000 eligible women in central Slovenia will be invited, with around 1,650 expected to participate in Part 1, and Part 2 involving 294 people from Part 1 (including 46 vegetarians and 46 vegans). Blood samples are collected for analysis and will be destroyed afterward. The study is currently enrolling by invitation and is planned to run through 2026.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Age: 20 to 49 years
• • Gender: female
• • Agrees to participate in the study (has signed a consent form)
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Menopause (absence of menstruation for at least 12 months, unless the absence is due to hormonal contraception) or post-menopause
• • Pregnancy
• Reasons for excluding a participant during the study:
• • Inability to participate in the study
• • Wishes to discontinue participation
• • Incomplete data provided
• Additional inclusion criteria for including subpopulations in the second part of the study:
• Vegetarians:
• • Have followed a vegetarian diet for at least 2 years and do not consume meat or fish more than once a month
• • Consume eggs and dairy products more than once a month
• Vegans:
• • - Have followed a vegan diet for at least 2 years and do not consume any animal products more than once a month