Frequently Asked Questions

I have noticed that recommendations for energy intakes and nutrients (e.g., protein, vitamins, minerals) are based on a gender binary. What are recommendation for a transgender or gender diverse person?

This is an important question and one of the many driving our program of research. Estimated nutritional needs are based on a number of assumptions. As noted in the question, one assumption is that a person identifies as either cis-female or cis-male.

Energy recommendations are traditionally higher for cis-males because of the assumption that they have more muscle mass. We know this isn’t always true. All nutritional needs are based on an individual’s energy output, whether they are growing or healing or both, the temperature of their environment, etc.

We are working on establishing basic energy recommendations for adult humans so that gender identity is not relevant to recommendations.

Vitamin and mineral needs are trickier to establish as these depend, regardless of gender identity, on health status, whether a person menstruates, or whether a person is planning a pregnancy or is pregnant. The nutrition practice guidelines we are developing will address these details.

Im afraid that Im developing an unhealthy relationship to food because of stress about my identity. Are there possible strategies to prevent/reduce the harms of disordered eating?

RESPONSE

Can food make subsequent differences in estrogen and/or testosterone levels during transition?

RESPONSE

 

Comments, Questions, Inquiries?

Contact Catherine Morley via email : cmorley@acadiau.ca