Which? watchdog finds menopause supplements overpriced and ineffective

A consumer watchdog, Which?, has reported that expensive supplements marketed to perimenopausal and menopausal women are often no more effective than budget-friendly alternatives. After reviewing 26 supplements designed for women over 45, nutrition experts found that none of the products provided the correct balance or dosage of nutrients specifically required to support menopause.

The study highlighted that many high-priced products utilized “fairy-dusting,” a practice where key nutrients are included in doses too low to be beneficial, or they omitted essential vitamins and minerals entirely. While many products included botanical ingredients like black cohosh, soy, and red clover, Which? noted that scientific evidence for these is mixed and they were often present in doses below those used in clinical trials.

In contrast, the watchdog identified Asda’s A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals, which costs approximately 6p per day (£22 per year), as a viable option. The budget supplement contained all essential vitamins along with 200mg of calcium and 100mg of magnesium. Which? advised consumers that purchasing a high-quality multivitamin and adding specific, targeted supplements may be more cost-effective and potentially more efficient than using all-in-one menopause blends.