Spain’s food safety agency is reviewing its guidance on nutrition and healthy habits during menopause after scientists raised concerns that some recommendations were based on research conducted exclusively on men.
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has asked its scientific committee to examine the report, which was published in March and provides dietary advice for women going through menopause.
The controversy centres on nutrient recommendations involving substances such as iron and vitamin C. Researchers, including several women scientists, questioned why some of the reference values were drawn from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) research involving male populations without clearly stating that limitation in the document.
AESAN has acknowledged that a warning about the research base was omitted. The agency has also recognised the need for more research specifically focused on women during menopause.
The report was designed to help women reduce health risks associated with menopause. It recommends a diet containing adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, calcium, iron and vitamins. Regular physical activity is also encouraged, with strength training highlighted as particularly important.
Menopause can be accompanied by changes that affect bone and muscle mass and may increase certain cardiovascular risks. The agency’s guidance was intended to address those concerns through nutrition and lifestyle measures.
The controversy has drawn attention from Spain’s government. Equality Minister Ana Redondo called for the report to be reviewed and said similar situations should not happen again.
“It is about time women were present in health agendas and studies, and the male body stopped being the universal reference point for everything, even for issues related to the menopause,” Redondo said in a post on X.
The dispute has also revived wider concerns about the representation of women in medical research. Women have historically been excluded or under-represented in many clinical trials and scientific studies, leaving researchers with less evidence about how diseases, medicines and treatments affect female patients.
Scientists say biological differences between men and women can influence the development of health conditions and how people respond to treatments, making research based predominantly on male participants less suitable for women in some circumstances.
The research gap can affect areas ranging from diagnosis and prevention to medication and treatment decisions. It has also contributed to growing calls for studies to examine women’s health needs directly rather than relying on male populations as the default reference.
AESAN’s review will determine whether changes are needed in its menopause guidance. The agency’s decision could also add to the broader debate in Spain and Europe about improving the representation of women in health research and ensuring that nutritional recommendations are supported by evidence relevant to the people receiving the advice.
