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Menopause Supplements: A £400 Rip-off?
30 Sep
Summary
- Many menopause supplements offer poor value, costing 20 times more than multivitamins.
- No studied menopause supplements contained correct nutrients in the right doses.
- A £22 multivitamin can be as effective as costly menopause-specific blends.
Consumer watchdog Which? has raised concerns about the effectiveness and value of menopause supplements, with some costing over £400 per year. Analysis revealed that many popular products aimed at women over 45, experiencing perimenopause or menopause, do not offer significant nutritional benefits compared to standard multivitamins priced at around £22 annually.
Which? research examined 26 supplements and found that none contained the optimal nutrients in appropriate doses for menopause support. Experts highlighted that crucial nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are vital for bone health during this life stage. However, some expensive menopause blends omitted these entirely or provided them in inadequate amounts.
Nutritionists suggested that a comprehensive multivitamin, combined with targeted supplements if necessary, often proves cheaper and more beneficial than all-in-one menopause formulations. For instance, a £22-a-year multivitamin provided essential vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, whereas a £485-a-year menopause supplement lacked key menopause-specific nutrients.
Experts criticized the supplement industry for exploiting health anxieties with dubious marketing. They emphasized that spending on menopause research is significantly less than on supplements, with limited evidence supporting the efficacy of these products, some of which may even be harmful. Regulatory oversight was called for to address unchecked claims and exploitative pricing.
