A Scoping Review of the Relationship Between Alternative Protein Diets and Women’s Reproductive Health
Presenter: Sarah Yi
Faculty Sponsor: Leda Cooks
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Public Health and Epidemiology
Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, 163, C7
ABSTRACT
Women’s reproductive health has historically been an under-researched topic in medicine. The effects of alternative protein diets on women’s reproductive health remain unclear despite their rapidly increasing adoption. This study will use a systematic review approach to identify the limited, existing literature and analyze data on the relationship between alternative protein diets and women’s reproductive health outcomes. It will also highlight whether alternative protein sources provide adequate nutritional support for reproductive health, identifying both potential benefits and deficiencies that may require dietary supplementation or other modifications. This study seeks to understand whether the quality of alternative proteins lacks, meets, or exceeds the reproductive health benefits traditionally associated with animal-based protein sources.
Data will be collected using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the UMass Libraries databases to examine peer-reviewed journal articles. Results and findings will provide healthcare providers, nutritionists, and women with evidence-based guidance to make informed dietary decisions that support reproductive well-being while aligning with sustainability goals. This research will identify gaps in knowledge in current research and highlight areas requiring further investigation. Ultimately, this study will contribute to the broader conversation about how dietary transitions toward alternative proteins can be implemented in ways that protect and promote women's reproductive health.