Phytoestrogenic Food Intake and the Early Development of Pubertal Characteristics: A Scoping Review and Evidence Assessment

The development of pubertal characteristics may be influenced by exogenous factors, including endocrine disruptors. Phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity, have been studied for their potential impact on pubertal timing. This scoping review assessed the available evidence on the association between dietary phytoestrogen consumption and early pubertal development. A systematic search of 5 databases identified 16 studies: 1 clinical trial, 3 experimental animal studies, and 12 observational studies. Study designs and methodological quality were heterogeneous. Prospective cohort studies, offering higher-quality evidence, reported an inverse association between phytoestrogen intake and early pubertal development, while cross-sectional studies of lower quality found a direct association. Although findings are inconsistent, the best-quality evidence suggests that phytoestrogen consumption may delay pubertal onset. Further research with robust designs and standardized measures is required to clarify this relationship.