Manuka honey (MGO 300)
This high-strength honey – made by bees collecting nectar from New Zealand Manuka bushes – contains the active ingredient methylglyoxal (MGO), which has an antimicrobial [1] and also anti-bacterial effect on the body, according to a 2018 study by Ulster University [2]. Our Manuka honey is harvested from Manuka Doctor hives high in the New Zealand mountains, and then freeze-dried into powder.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity (EFSA) and is readily available in red pepper, garlic, nuts, fish and meats.
Not only does vitamin B6 help relieve depressive symptoms in menopausal women, it has also proven effective in relieving hot flushes [3].
Manuka Plus Meno-Hive contains 10mg of vitamin B6, over 714% of your recommended daily intake.
Vitamin D
A lack of estrogen weakens your bones as you age; vitamin D works to slow down and minimise the weakening process and has been proven in clinical trials to maintain healthy bones (EFSA). If you do not get enough vitamin D, you are at greater risk of bone loss and broken bones as your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium [4].
Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Calcium
Trace minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium are all essential for health. They help promote strong bones and are involved in the interaction of more than 300 enzyme reactions and the formation of healthy bones and teeth [5].
According to the European Commission, Magnesium can also help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue [6].
Biotin is another B-vitamin, which can be of help for menopausal symptoms. Biotin, is needed to help your nervous system function normally and for optimum psychological health, says the European Commission, contributing to normal energy yielding metabolism and energy release [7].
Soy Isoflavones
Although no authorised EU health claim, Soya isoflavones are a class of antioxidants often referred to as phytoestrogens which have a similar structure to that of the hormone estrogen, the female hormone that declines with the menopause, and can attach to and activate estrogen receptors in your body [8].
Red Clover
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a legume which also contains isoflavones. For this reason, it may have benefits for menopausal symptoms. One small study found that red clover supplementation decreased menopausal symptoms and reduced triglyceride levels [9].
Sage Leaf
People use Sage for several menopausal symptoms including night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings. One study found that a fresh sage preparation lowered the severity and the number of hot flashes (also called hot flushes) in menopausal women [10].
Bee pollen
One small study found Bee pollen to be helpful in reducing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes when taken consistently for three months [11].
Sources 1. Alvarez-Suarez JM, et al. The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey. Foods. 2014 Sep;3(3):420-432. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302252/
2. Johnston M, et al. Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiology. 2018. 4(4):665-664.
3. Odai, T.; Terauchi, M.; Hirose, A.; Kato, K.; Akiyoshi, M.; Miyasaka, N.; Severity of hot flushes is inversely associated with dietary intake of vitamin B6 and oily fish. Climacteric 2019, Vol. 22, No. 6, 617-621.
4. National Osteoporosis Foundation. Your Guide to a Bone Healthy Diet. Why is Vitamin D important?
5. Mahdavi-Roshan, M.; Ebrahimi, M.; Ebrahimi, A. Copper, magnesium, zinc and calcium status in osteopenic and osteoporotic post-menopausal women. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism. 2015 Jan-Apr; 12(1): 18-21.
6. European Commission. EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods. http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=register.home
7. EFSA. Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin. EFSA Journal. 2009.
8. Pabich, M.; Materska, M. Biological Effect of Soy Isoflavones in the Prevention of Civilization Diseases. Nutrients. 2019 Jul; 11(7): 1660.
9. Hidalgo, LA.; Chedraui, P.; Morocho, N.; Ross, S.; San Miguel, G. The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2005 Nov;21(5):257-64.
10. Bommer, S.; Klein, P.; Suter, A. First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Advances in Natural Therapy volume 28, pages 490–500 (2011)
11. Winther, K.; Rein, E.; Hedman, C. Femal, a herbal remedy made from pollen extracts, reduces hot flushes and improves quality of life in menopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study. 2005 Jun;8(2):162-70.
