Transgender Nutrition
Welcome to the Transgender Nutrition Project
Though there are currently no specific nutrition guidelines for transgender patients, the Evidence Analysis Center conducted a scoping review to determine availability of literature to examine hormone therapy outcomes and the role of nutrition in transgender individuals. The review found the following:
- There were 187 studies included in the analysis, the vast majority of which had observational study designs. A small portion were experimental and included both non-controlled and randomized controlled trials. Several scoping and systematic reviews were also included. Most studies reported data on adults, with less literature available on adolescents, and few studies reporting data on children ≤9 years of age.
- Approximately two thirds of the included studies reported on intermediate and health effects of hormone therapy. In studies in which adults received feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapies, the most frequently reported outcomes were related to anthropometric measures, lipid profiles, and bone density; long-term effects were related to cardiovascular disease and events, cancer, and mortality. Among studies with adolescents receiving puberty blockers, the most frequently reported outcomes were related to anthropometric measures and bone density, with fewer studies reporting relevant lab values.
- Approximately one third of the included studies reported on nutrition-related health disparities between transgender and cisgender populations. The most frequently reported outcomes were related to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or suicide, as well as alcohol abuse, malnutrition, overweight and obesity, diabetes, eating disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
- A small number of studies examined dietary intake in transgender individuals. Of these, three focused solely on alcohol intake.
- Very few studies reported on the validity and reliability of nutrition assessment methods or nutrition interventions.
Use the link on the left to view the scoping review details and conclusion. Expand the section below titled Scoping Review Project Team and Disclosures for a listing of individuals who contributed to the development of the review, disclosures, and project funding information.
6/18/2020