(P44-09-26) Trends and Gaps in Dietary and Botanical Supplement Research for Menopausal Health

Objectives: The menopausal transition is characterized by physiological changes and symptoms that can negatively affect quality of life and increase risk for adverse health outcomes. Hormone therapy effectively addresses these concerns but may not be suitable for all women. As such, supplements are perceived as safe and convenient approaches for symptom relief and overall health. The widespread use of these products warrants a comprehensive evaluation of the research landscape to inform gaps and priorities moving forward. To evaluate research publication trends in dietary and botanical supplements used for menopausal-related health and symptom management.

Methods: A Web of Science search yielded 4,398 English language articles limited to 2000-2024. Inclusion criteria were studies conducted in the U.S., or in collaboration with the U.S., that used supplement-based interventions. R’s Bibliometrix was used to conduct all analyses.

Results: A total of 253 publications were authored by 1,227 researchers and published across 101 scientific journals. Annual scientific productivity growth rate was low (3.89%), peaking in 2013 (18 articles) and the lowest in 2000 (4 articles). Most (n=234) articles focused on postmenopause, whereas 8 addressed perimenopause and 11 included both. Over 70 unique ingredients were assessed, with calcium, vitamin D, and isoflavones most frequently studied. Weight loss and inflammation were identified as recurrent themes for over a decade. Cardiovascular and bone health outcomes were prominent research themes. Recent important topics included nitric oxide, aging, and inflammation, whereas emerging themes were 1) vitamin d and musculoskeletal health and 2) calcium, blood pressure, and weight loss. General underexplored areas included menopausal symptom management and treatment-induced menopause.

Conclusions: Research on supplements for menopausal women is severely understudied, with perimenopause particularly underrepresented. The disproportionate number of distinct ingredients relative to publication volume, coupled with dispersed research efforts, presents an opportunity to bridge gaps by strategically prioritizing promising ingredients, support replication studies, and facilitate the development of evidence-based guidance.

Funding Sources: Supported in part by an appointment by ORISE