11.01.08
The quality and quantity of ingredients in dietary supplements intended to treat symptoms of menopause varies widely, according to a recent report by ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY. Supplements tested included those containing black cohosh, soy isoflavones and red clover isoflavones, as well as progesterone creams. While many products provided ingredients that may be effective, a few contained little of their listed ingredient or were contaminated with lead, the report states. One supplement provided only 30% of the isoflavones that it was “guaranteed to contain.” Another provided only 65% of its claimed amount of glycitein, a specific isoflavone. Lead contamination was detected in one supplement and two products violated FDA labeling requirements by not specifying the plant parts used as ingredients.