4-week Seaweed Supplementation on Menopause Symptoms and Psychological Wellbeing

Northumbria University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Menopausal Syndrome; Menopausal Depression

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: 500mg seaweed; Other: Placebo

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05759936

Project ID 2434

Details and patient eligibility

About

Menopausal symptoms have a substantial effect on quality of life as well as potentially serving as markers for future health. Previous research has suggested that diet can impact menopausal symptoms. Seaweed is marketed as a treatment to alleviate menopause symptoms, but no research has tested whether it is effective in reducing the symptoms and psychological effects associated with menopause.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of consuming a seaweed supplement over a 4-week time period on menopausal symptoms and psychological well-being.

Full description

Menopause and peri-menopause are associated with a number of symptoms and psychological well-being. Previous literature has found a relationship between diet and menopause management. For example, following the Mediterranean diet consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains has found to improve menopausal symptoms particularly vasomotor symptoms. Few studies have explored the effects of dietary supplements on psychological well-being in menopause. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of an iodine-rich seaweed food supplement on menopause symptoms and mental well-being in those experiencing menopause. Online assessments of symptoms will take place pre-intervention and post-intervention and will be compared to the effects of a placebo.

Enrollment: 75 patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Self-assess as healthy
• Experienced menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms in the past 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Are currently taking HRT, anti-depressants, or anti-anxiety medication
• Are lactating or pregnant (or seeking to become pregnant)
• Have a thyroid disorder
• Are currently taking iodine supplements
• Have any relevant food intolerances

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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75 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Placebo capsule consumed for 28 days

Treatment:

Other: Placebo

500mg seaweed

Experimental group

Description:

Seaweed capsule consumed for 28 days

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: 500mg seaweed