Amberen Mineral Supplements Can Help Fight Symptoms of Menopause
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We regularly answer questions about supplements, and the questions are not limited to the Cooper Complete brand. Recently, we were asked to review Amberen Smart Choice for Menopause.
The TV commercial and print ads for Amberen are impressive – beautifully constructed and high quality. The advertising materials for this proprietary compound report relief from symptoms including hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, irritability, low energy, occasional sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating and other unnamed menopausal symptoms. What is not to like about such a product? The company even claims the product is supported by published clinical trials, safety studies and proven customer satisfaction.
What is in the Product?
According to the label, the product contains the minerals calcium, magnesium and zinc, along with vitamin E (tocopherol actate), the amino acid glycine (soy), monosodium l-glutamate (MSG, the popular food additive commonly found in Chinese food) and ammonium succinate. Ammonium succinate was not found in multiple supplement reference databases. According to the label, two capsules provide a total of 400 mg of the components listed above – as a proprietary blend. There is no information on how much of any particular ingredient is in the product.
What Does the Research Say?
Aside from a small three-week study in older women, the research referenced by Amberen appears to be based on older, female rodents (mice and rats). In the overall body of scientific research, not focused on only Amberen, one study showed that women taking vitamin E had approximately one fewer hot flashes per day. The research on soy (glycine max) has been mixed. Some studies suggest soy reduces the number of hot flashes; while others show no benefit. The individual ingredients in Amberen do not have particularly compelling published research to support any help in preventing weight gain, mood swings, irritability, low energy, occasional sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating or other unnamed menopausal symptoms.
More digging unearthed a law firm now investigating consumers’ claims of deceptive sales practices as Amberen “may not work as advertised.” In addition, the Better Business Bureau has had 26 complaints over the past three years – mostly from women complaining that the product does not work as promised.
In June 2012, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureau recommended the makers of Amberen adjust their claims to exclude, “Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings, inability to concentrate, sleeplessness, lack of energy and, yes, decreased libido. Amberen provides an effective all-in-one solution for common symptoms of menopause. Most women begin experiencing relief in just a few days.”
What Options Do You Have When Suffering from Menopause Symptoms?
First and foremost, talk with your physician about your symptoms and review what help is available, based upon your particular health profile. As a consumer, seek out reputable and scientifically-backed facts on menopause. There are terrific resources online through multiple government agencies, as well as through reputable universities and major medical institutions. Here are a few of the publications:
Supplements have a place in a healthy lifestyle, and one of eight Get Cooperized™ steps includes taking “the right supplements for you.” Look for the scientific research that supports products and take time to read the literature. It is a big leap of faith to believe that a product found beneficial in rodents will be beneficial for people. You can use the Internet to look up specific ingredients in supplements. A legitimate ingredient will have multiple references, including those from medical and teaching institutions.
Finally, when you read or hear the FDA disclaimer, “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease,” proceed with caution. We are all susceptible to the appeal of a visually appealing advertisement – just make sure to separate the facts from the hype.
If you have questions about supplements on the market, email thecooperized@cooperaerobics.com.
To learn more about Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements or to make a purchase, click here or call 888.393.2221.
Article provided by Jill Turner, Vice President of Operations, Cooper Complete.