A consumer analysis by Which? has raised concerns about the value and effectiveness of specialized menopause supplements, comparing them unfavorably to standard multivitamin products. The investigation examined 26 popular supplements sold through major retailers including Holland & Barrett, Boots, and Amazon, assessing their nutritional content against recommended daily amounts.
Which? researchers found that premium menopause supplements, some costing as much as £485 annually, often contained insufficient quantities of crucial nutrients or omitted them entirely. The watchdog highlighted calcium and vitamin D as particularly important during perimenopause and menopause due to their role in maintaining bone health as estrogen levels decline. An analysis of Asda’s A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals, priced at 6p daily, showed it contained all essential vitamins plus 200mg of calcium and 100mg of magnesium. By comparison, some higher-priced alternatives failed to include magnesium and calcium at all or provided them in amounts significantly below NHS recommendations.
The global menopause supplement market is currently valued at nearly $17bn and is projected to reach $25bn by 2030 as demand grows among women seeking relief from symptoms including hot flushes, poor sleep, and mood swings. Despite this market expansion, researchers found that none of the 26 supplements studied contained the correct nutrient combinations and dosages specifically tailored for menopause support.
Reasearch from UCL examining 201 supplements sold in the UK found fewer than half contained both vitamin D and calcium, with the majority of ingredients not specifically recommended by major menopause societies. A UCL researcher characterized menopause supplements as exploitative and noted the absence of persuasive evidence supporting their effectiveness for symptom relief.
Manufacturers and retailers have disputed the findings, with Holland & Barrett stating its products are specifically formulated with evidence-based nutrient levels, while Love Mushrooms described its offering as a deliberate functional formulation rather than rebranded multivitamins.
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