Menopause Supplements Labeled 'Marketing Hype,' Investigation Finds

Supplements marketed to alleviate menopause symptoms are largely ineffective and overpriced, with some offering no more benefit than a generic multivitamin costing a fraction of the price, according to an investigation by consumer group Which?.

Researchers reviewed 26 supplements targeting women aged 45 and over, or those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. They examined the scientific validity of 78 active ingredients across these products. The findings revealed that not a single supplement contained the appropriate combination and dosage of nutrients to specifically support women during menopause.

Many of these products, some costing up to £95 per month, were found to contain key nutrients in doses too low to be effective. Others were missing crucial vitamins and minerals altogether.

Which? nutritionist Shefalee Loth stated that despite significant marketing claims, most of these products "lack the nutritional basics to cover the deficiencies most likely to happen with menopause." She criticized manufacturers for "fairy-dusting" ingredients and employing "quasi-medical claims" to capitalize on consumer anxieties.

The global market for menopause supplements is projected to exceed £18.4 million by 2030. High-profile figures, including actress Naomi Watts, have promoted such products.

Bone Health Claims Questioned

Several supplements available at major retailers claim to address bone health issues, which can arise from declining estrogen levels during menopause. However, the analysis found that only one product, Menopace Max by Vitabiotics, contained beneficial amounts of calcium and vitamin D—nutrients known to support bone strength. The quantity of these nutrients in Menopace Max was found to be identical to that in a supermarket multivitamin that costs 15 times less.

Other high-priced supplements, such as Wild Nutrition's Women's 45+ Daily Multi Nutrient at £1.27 per day, which is marketed as "menopause-friendly," were found to contain significantly less calcium and magnesium than recommended daily doses by the NHS.

Regulatory Concerns

This investigation follows warnings from UK experts about some menopause supplements containing potentially toxic ingredients. University College London researchers previously cautioned that women are falling victim to a "menopause gold rush," spending considerable amounts on products lacking scientific evidence. Which? described the supplement industry as resembling the "wild west," with regulators accused of insufficient action to protect consumers from "dubious marketing" and unsubstantiated medical claims.

The menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the cessation of a woman's periods due to lower hormone levels. In the UK, an estimated 13 million women are currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause. Common symptoms can include hot flashes, palpitations, sleep difficulties, brain fog, and mood changes, affecting an estimated 80 percent of women.