Low Intake of Vegetable Protein is Associated with Altered Ovulatory Function among Healthy Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Context: Diets high in plant-based protein have gained popularity due to increasing health concerns regarding consumption of animal products. Though links between intakes of certain protein-rich foods and reproductive disorders have been suggested, the relationship of overall animal and vegetable proteins with reproductive hormones among reproductive-aged women is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the associations between the intake of dietary protein with reproductive hormones and sporadic anovulation among reproductive-aged women. Design: A prospective cohort study, 2005-2007. Setting: University at Buffalo, western New York, United States. Participants: A total of 259 premenopausal women (18-44 years) without dietary restrictions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum reproductive hormones were determined up to 8 times per cycle for 2 cycles. Protein intake was assessed the day prior to hormone assessment at 4 visits/cycle using 24-hour recalls. Results: Overall, 84% of participants met the recommended dietary allowance for total protein set for reproductive-aged women. Neither total nor animal protein intake were associated with reproductive hormones or anovulation. However, vegetable protein intake in the lowest tertile was associated with lower luteal phase progesterone (-18.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -30.2, -3.6), higher follicle-stimulating hormone (3.8%, 95% CI 0.2, 7.6), and a higher risk of anovulation (risk ratio [RR] 2.53, 95% CI 1.21, 5.26), compared with the middle tertile. Nuts and seeds were the only protein-rich foods associated with an elevated risk of anovulation (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.17, 3.85). Conclusions: Findings suggest that among women who meet the recommended dietary allowance for total protein, low intake of vegetable, but not animal, protein may disturb normal ovulatory function.