A study by the consumer watchdog Which? suggests expensive menopause supplements offer no more benefit than standard, low-cost multivitamins.
Key facts
- •The global menopause supplement market is currently valued at nearly $17 billion and is projected to reach $25 billion by 2030.
- •Researchers found that Vitabiotics’ Menopace Max, the highest-scoring supplement in the study, costs £340 per year, which is more than 15 times the price of the Asda multivitamin.
- •Calcium and vitamin D are identified as the most critical nutrients for bone health during perimenopause and menopause as oestrogen levels decline.
- •A UCL study of 201 UK-sold supplements found that less than half contained vitamin D and calcium, and most ingredients were not recommended by major menopause societies.
- •Which? concluded that a high-quality multivitamin paired with targeted supplements is often more effective and cheaper than all-in-one menopause blends.
Analysis by the consumer watchdog Which? indicates that many menopause supplements marketed to women over 45 are significantly overpriced and lack the necessary nutrients to effectively manage symptoms. Researchers found that products costing over £400 annually often perform no better than standard multivitamins that cost roughly £22 per year.
By the numbers
Comparison of Costs and Ingredients
Which? examined 26 popular supplements sold by retailers including Boots, Amazon, and Holland & Barrett. The study found that Asda’s A-Z Multivitamins & Minerals, which costs 6p per day, provides essential vitamins along with 200mg of calcium and 100mg of magnesium. In contrast, the Love Mushrooms’ Empower supplement costs £1.33 per day—totaling £485 annually—yet lacks these specific nutrients. Similarly, Wild Nutrition’s Women’s 45+ Daily Multi Nutrient costs £468 per year but contains levels of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium that fall below NHS recommended daily amounts.
Industry Regulation and Expert Criticism
Shefalee Loth, a public health nutritionist at Which?, described the supplement industry as a "wild west" characterized by dubious marketing and unchecked medical claims. Dr. Xand van Tulleken of the UCL Institute for Global Health stated that there is no persuasive evidence that these supplements significantly affect symptoms, describing the pricing and marketing as exploitative. Conversely, Martin Last of the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association stated that the industry is encouraged to follow existing food regulations and noted that menopause can create increased nutritional demands that may be met through supplementation.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
