About this Research Topic

Background

Men’s health refers to physical, social and mental health issues concerning the wellbeing of men and males, from young age right through to later years. Biological, social and behavioral factors contribute to gender differences between men and women that must not be overlooked in the context of health. Besides the aspects related to male physiology, such as the male reproductive system and dominant male hormones, the response to ailments that affect both genders can be different in men; for example, the prognosis of oncological diseases, recovery from accidental injuries, and prevalence of some diseases (e.g., gout, bladder cancer). In terms of behavioral factors, men are more likely to make unhealthy or risky choices, are less likely to seek medical help and are more likely to be exposed to environmental contaminants. The adoption of unhealthy diets, often associated with stress, alcohol and substance abuse, also appears to be more prevalent in men.

An adequate amount of nutrients in a healthy diet can improve men's health and help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Several nutrients have been associated with the prevention of cancer and heart disease, but also with improvements to male health and overall men's wellbeing. Men's nutritional needs vary depending on their age and level of physical activity. An accurate assessment of the nutritional status and needs of the man is necessary for designing a diet to maintain health or prevent disease, based on the knowledge of the role of different nutrients in male metabolism.

Men’s health is increasingly coming into focus for health research, epidemiology, health care organization, and health policy. In order to help researchers gain current knowledge about the impact of nutrition on men’s health, this Research Topic is proposed to seek original works, meta-analyses, or reviews addressing the relationship between nutrition and men’s health, as well as nutritional strategies to alleviate men’s health.

We welcome articles relating to the role of nutrition in men’s health and wellbeing throughout life (i.e. in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly), including those examining comparison with female individuals. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Nutritional needs and assessment in male individuals
• Use of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements
• Nutrition and lifestyle for health promotion and disease prevention
• Weight management interventions for men
• Fitness and sports nutrition
• Prevalence, prevention, and treatment of diseases such as Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Oncologic and Autoimmune diseases, Diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and related conditions
• Male sexual and reproductive health, dysfunction, and infertility
• Mental and psychological health, including depression and suicide
• Healthy aging and anti-aging treatments in men
• Other aspects of health and lifestyle such as accidental injury, alcohol use, and so forth.

Keywords: Men’s health promotion, dietary needs, Men's health, Pharmaceuticals, nutrition status, anthropometrics, nutrients, diets, male health, men

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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