Women account for more than half the global population, yet remain one of the most under-studied groups in nutrition and health research, according to PepsiCo chief science officer and EVP of R&D Tara Glasgow.
The company is now launching a five-year effort to help close that gap, beginning with a major focus on women’s hydration and the biological factors that influence it.
“We’re starting to build a body of work around a population that has been largely understudied,” said Glasgow. “We’re more than 50% of the population, but we haven’t been well studied.”
According to Glasgow, the lack of research stems partly from the scientific complexity of studying women, whose physiology changes throughout the menstrual cycle and across life stages including pregnancy and menopause.
Hydration is just the starting point
“A lot of human health research has focused on men because of the complexities of women,” she said. “The data is more complicated, so it requires a lot more rigour.”
The research will examine how body composition, BMI, muscle mass, body fat and hormonal changes affect hydration needs in women.
“Some female hormones are diuretics and some are anti-diuretic, so some help the body hold on to water and some don’t,” Glasgow explained.
“We’re very curious about those spaces and learning more.”
While hydration will be the initial focus, Glasgow said the findings could ultimately inform innovation across PepsiCo’s wider portfolio, including products beyond its beverage brands.
“We’ll drive the science first. Then we’ll understand which benefits we should be looking to deliver.”
For now, Propel Electrolyte Enhanced Water & Sports Drinks will act as the foundation for the research programme.
Earlier this year, PepsiCo’s Gatorade brand launched Body of Science, a multi-year global initiative designed to advance understanding of women’s hydration and nutrition.
Hydration is just the beginning. Tara Glasgow, PepsiCo’s chief science officer and EVP of R&D, joins our Functional Beverages broadcast to explore the next generation of science-led innovation, from women’s health and nutrition to the future of benefit-led drinks. Watch live on Thursday 30 July. Registration is free.
