‘Limited scientific evidence’ for most menopause supplements, expert says

Many menopause supplements contain ingredients with limited evidence for symptom relief, while formulations and prices vary widely, a study has found.

Researchers analysed 201 products sold by nine major UK retailers, comparing their ingredients, doses and monthly costs.

Prices ranged from £1.50 to £95 a month, while no single ingredient or category of ingredient was common across all products.

The study, carried out by University College London, found that 80 per cent of products contained herbs, 77 per cent contained vitamins and 74 per cent contained phytoestrogens, naturally occurring plant compounds found in foods including soy and flaxseed.

Vitamin B6 was the most common vitamin, while red clover and sage were the most frequently identified plant ingredients.

Researchers said more evidence was needed on the effectiveness and safety of supplements marketed for menopause symptoms.

Professor Joyce Harper, senior author of the study and professor of reproductive science at University College London, said: “The menopause supplement market is growing rapidly, despite limited scientific evidence that many of these products improve menopause symptoms.

“Some social media influencers promote these products as effective solutions, despite many claims not being supported by scientific evidence.

“This can contribute to the spread of misinformation and help drive a rapidly growing menopause supplement market, leading some women to spend substantial amounts of money on supplements in the hope of improving their symptoms and overall wellbeing.”

Half of the supplements did not contain vitamin D, while less than 24 per cent contained calcium.

The British Menopause Society and International Menopause Society have highlighted vitamin D and calcium as important for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis after menopause.

Researchers also identified botanical ingredients that may carry risks, including black cohosh.

Poppy Sullivan, first author of the study, said: “Certain botanical ingredients in some menopause supplements may also have risks.

“Black cohosh, in particular, is known to carry a potential risk of liver toxicity.”

The amounts of vitamins and minerals included in different products also varied widely.

Sullivan said: “Some nutrients can have adverse effects when consumed in excess over time.

“For example, excessive vitamin D intake can theoretically lead to high calcium levels, which could cause adverse effects such as vomiting and confusion.”

The study found little empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of even the most expensive products.

Researchers called for more high-quality research, including clinical trials, to determine whether menopause supplement ingredients are effective and safe.

They said the findings could also help healthcare professionals understand the wide variation in supplement formulations.

The researchers acknowledged that the analysis may not have included every menopause supplement available in the UK.