Diets High in Plant Estrogens May Help Prevent Hypospadias

We already know that what you eat can have some major effects on the potential health of your child. However, a new study suggests that certain plant compounds may actually lower the risks of birth defects related to penis size.

Study researchers found that the higher intakes of plant estrogens primarily in flax seeds, soy products, whole grain cereals and even some vegetables could be associated with reduced risks of delivering infants from hypospadias, a condition where the urethral openings are located on the underside of the penis.

Some scientists believe that a diet high in estrogens from plants, such as that of vegetarians, may relate to the development of the fetus' hormones. Yet, researchers note that it's unclear whether these changes are positive or negative.

Researchers looked at the relationship between food and development defects seen in the early stages of pregnancy that may be influenced by food.

The study analyzed mothers of 1,250 hypospadias cases, in which 3,118 healthy infants were used in the control group with a reported average intake of different food items in the year before they became pregnant. Researchers also looked at the number of plant estrogens, also referred to as phytoestrogens, that each woman consumed.

Results showed that women who consumed the most plant estrogens were less likely than other participants to have children with hypospadias.

However, researchers are unclear as to the why plant estrogens can protect against hypospadias.

"It's hard to predict what particular effect phytoestrogens [have] in a particular individual," said study researcher Dr. Suzan Carmichael, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine.

The study was published June 9 in the American Journal of Epidemiology.