Experts have warned of the dangers of some dietary supplements intended for women in menopause, stressing that some of them may be useless or contain harmful ingredients.
A study by researchers from University College London (UCL) revealed that nearly half of the supplements available on the market do not contain nutrients that have proven important during menopause, such as vitamin D and calcium.
Researchers analyzed more than 200 types of supplements, examining their ingredients, dosages, and prices, from nine major retailers. They found that most products were based on herbs and plant compounds, despite limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms.
Poppy Sullivan, co-author of the study and an expert on menopause at University College London, said that some nutrients can cause harm when consumed in large quantities for long periods.
She explained that excessive intake of vitamin D could theoretically lead to high blood calcium levels, which could cause vomiting and confusion, while some plant-based ingredients may also pose health risks.
Sullivan specifically pointed to the herb black cohosh, which is used in some supplements to alleviate night sweats, warning of its potential link to liver toxicity.
Professor Joyce Harper, the study's lead author, said the menopause supplement market is growing rapidly despite limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of many of these products. She added that the promotion of these supplements as effective solutions by some influencers may contribute to the spread of misinformation and lead women to spend large sums of money on products with unproven efficacy.
The analysis showed that about half of the products studied contained vitamin D, while less than a quarter contained calcium, despite the importance of both elements for bone health. In contrast, most of the products contained herbs and plant compounds, including red clover, which is marketed as an ingredient that can mimic some of the effects of estrogen.
Dr. Anne-Marie Boylan, an expert in qualitative health research at Oxford University, said that a balanced diet could provide women with many of the vitamins and minerals found in these supplements, noting that some of their components are also available in less expensive multivitamin products or herbal preparations.
Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and may be accompanied by a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating, or what is known as "brain fog".
Researchers are calling for more studies and clinical trials to determine the effectiveness and safety of supplements intended for menopause, given their increasing popularity and expanding market.
what is your opinion on this news ?do let us know in the comments on tha comment box
if you liked this news article please share on friends & family & don't forget to follow on website & social media
