Genetically Modified Foods and Reproductive and Public Health Challenges in the Tropics: A Narrative Review

Abstract

In tropical regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, challenges related to food security and reproductive health are closely connected. As a response to persistent malnutrition and food insecurity, genetically modified foods (GMFs) have been developed as an innovation intended to increase crop productivity and nutritional content. Despite their potential, there are concerns about their long-term complications and implications for human health, especially reproductive health outcomes. This review explores current evidence on the relationship between GMFs and reproductive/public health in tropical settings, especially in Africa. It highlights potential benefits, including improved nutrition and reduced pesticide exposure, while also exploring possible risks such as endocrine disruption, allergenicity, and the limited availability of long-term human data. The review further considers the socioeconomic, ethical, and policy issues that shape adoption. Although GMFs present promising opportunities to improve maternal and child health, important knowledge gaps remain, underscoring the need for cautious, well-regulated implementation and context-specific research.