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Inclusive Innovation: Bridging the Research Gap in Women’s Health

Posted August 26, 2024

In the realm of health research, women have historically been underrepresented, limiting biological understanding and contributing to health inequities. 1 This Scientific Paradox compromises the understanding and ability to address the unique health problems and concerns faced by women. At Kemin, we are committed to bridging this gap through inclusive research and innovative ingredient solutions.

Studies have shown that nearly 75% of research excluding women assessed non-gender-specific conditions, while only 25% of studies excluding men did the same.2 This disparity highlights the urgent need for more inclusive research practices. Women’s representation in studies is particularly lacking among older and working-age adults, particularly those of  childbearing potential.

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One example of this lack of research is in sports nutrition. An analysis done in 2022 of over 1,800 studies found that when looking at literature supporting ingredients with sufficient evidence-based science, only 23% of studies had women participants and less than 8% of studies were done with only women.3  This example underscores the need to be more inclusive of women in research. 

While there has been some improvement in women’s inclusivity in studies over the past few decades—thanks to laws, policies, and guidance—there is still concern over the consequences of insufficient research on women. Not only is lack of research a concern, but the lack of funding for studies on issues that impact women disproportionally. Conditions such as chronic fatigue, migraines, headaches and anxiety disorders are more commonly seen in women and yet the funding relative to the burden of these diseases is lacking.4 Female-dominant diseases tend to be more severely underfunded than male-dominant diseases showing part of the challenge for the gap in research.4

At Kemin, we understand the importance of data collection and analysis to support our science-backed ingredients. We focus on supporting eye and cognitive health, stress management, and beauty-from-within, among other areas. By prioritizing inclusivity and diversity in our research, we aim to create ingredients that and scientifically robust and relevant for the needs of women today and tomorrow. 

We invite supplement manufacturers to collaborate with us in this mission. Together, we can foster a more holistic approach to women’s health, ensuring that women receive the individualized health support they need.

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Discover Kemin's innovative portfolio of ingredients for women's health by visiting kemin.com.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information on this webpage is a business-to-business information and not intended for the final consumer. Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographical regions. Product labeling and associated claims differs based upon government requirements and country or region specific information should also be considered when labeling or advertising to final consumers.

This web page and its associated brochures and other documents do not constitute or provide scientific or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressly or implied. This web page, its title or contents and associated brochures and other documents do not in any way make recommendations for health or marketing claims by the reader. Country and region specific regulations should be considered in this regard. Each claim or statement about the effectiveness of Kemin products and/or each claim or statement comparing the effectiveness of Kemin products to the effectiveness of other products is expressly limited to the United States, unless otherwise disclosed on the Kemin websites.

References:

  1. Bierer, B. E., Meloney, L. G., Ahmed, H. R., & White, S. A. (2022, March 7). Advancing the inclusion of underrepresented women in clinical research. Cell reports. Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9043984/
  2. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Ethical and Legal Issues Relating to the Inclusion of Women in Clinical Studies; Mastroianni AC, Faden R, Federman D, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. Bird CE. Women’s Representation as Subjects in Clinical Studies: A Pilot Study of Research Published in JAMA in 1990 and 1992
  3. Smith ES, McKay AKA, Kuikman M, Ackerman KE, Harris R, Elliott-Sale KJ, Stellingwerff T, Burke LM. Auditing the Representation of Female Versus Male Athletes in Sports Science and Sports Medicine Research: Evidence-Based Performance Supplements. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):953. doi: 10.3390/nu14050953. PMID: 35267928; PMCID: PMC8912470
  4. Kerri Smith, The funding gender gap. (2023) https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-023-01475-2/assets/d41586-023-01475-2.pdf