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. 2018 Mar;17(1):32-38.
doi: 10.5114/pm.2018.73791. Epub 2018 Apr 11.

Isoflavones, calcium, vitamin D and inulin improve quality of life, sexual function, body composition and metabolic parameters in menopausal women: result from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

Salvatore Giovanni Vitale  1 , Salvatore Caruso  2 , Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda  2 , Stefano Cianci  3 , Antonio Cianci  2
Affiliations

Isoflavones, calcium, vitamin D and inulin improve quality of life, sexual function, body composition and metabolic parameters in menopausal women: result from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

Salvatore Giovanni Vitale et al. Prz Menopauzalny. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause results in metabolic changes that contribute to increase risk of cardiovascular diseases: increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides and decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL), weight gain are associated with a correspondent increase in incidence of hypertension and diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a preparation of isoflavones, calcium vitamin D and inulin in menopausal women.

Material and methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 50 patients were randomized to receive either oral preparations of isoflavones (40 mg), calcium (500 mg) vitamin D (300 UI) and inulin (3 g) or placebo (control group). Pre- and post-treatment assessment of quality of life and sexual function were performed through Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); evaluations of anthropometric indicators, body composition through bioelectrical impedance analyser, lumbar spine and proximal femur T-score and lipid profile were performed.

Results: After 12 months, a significant reduction in MENQOL vasomotor, physical and sexual domain scores (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in all FSFI domain scores (p < 0.05) were observed in treatment group. Laboratory tests showed significant increase in serum levels of HDL (p < 0.05). No significant changes of lumbar spine and femur neck T-score (p > 0.05) were found in the same group.

Conclusions: According to our data analysis, isoflavones, calcium, vitamin D and inulin may exert favourable effects on menopausal symptoms and signs.

Keywords: inulin; isoflavones; lipid metabolism; menopause; vitamin D.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors report no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT 2010 flow diagram
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) scores at baseline and at 12-months follow-up
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores at baseline and at 12-months follow-up
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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