5 reasons to use Bonolive® in your women’s health product
5 reasons to use Bonolive® in your women’s health product
Bonolive® is an extract based on olive polyphenols that contains a high amount of oleuropein, a potent phytonutrient found primarily in olive trees. Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial properties of Bonolive®, including mitigation of potential risks associated with menopause. In this blog, we will explore some of the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of olive polyphenols and why you should use it in your women’s health product.
Bonolive®: Mediterranean support for women’s health
Bonolive® is a natural compound sourced from olive leaves. It’s standardized to contain high levels of olive polyphenols, specifically Oleuropein.
Developed by BioActor, its primary aim is to support women’s health during the post-menopausal phase (1). This period often introduces various health challenges, such as decreased bone density, joint discomfort, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular problems.
Numerous clinical studies consistently highlight the positive effects of supplementing with Bonolive® (1 , 2 , 3). These studies have revealed that Bonolive® plays a role in enhancing bone strength, reducing joint discomfort, balancing lipid profiles, and easing specific menopause-related symptoms.
Consequently, it contributes to lowering the risk of developing conditions like osteoporosis (brittle bones) and heart issues as time progresses.
Oleuropein: the hero compound of Bonolive®
Olive oil holds a pivotal role in the Mediterranean diet (4). The primary polyphenols in olive oil are Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol. These polyphenols have been extensively studied and recognized for their preventive benefits against various disorders.
Researchers have unraveled their mechanisms, showing promise in reducing risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and other health issues.
Bonolive® is standardized to contain Oleuropein. Because of this, Bonolive® is a perfect match for adding to dietary supplements and functional beverages made to support women’s health during menopause.
5 reasons to use Bonolive® in your women’s health product
1. Bonolive® improves bone health and reduces joint discomfort
Bonolive® has demonstrated its positive influence on bone and joint health (1). An investigation centered on post-menopausal women with reduced bone mass unveiled a notable surge in a foundational protein that serves as the framework for generating new bone. Moreover, an improvement in bone mineral density was seen.
In a recent six-month study involving 124 participants aged 55 and above, the efficacy of Bonolive® came to light. It brought relief to joint discomfort linked to activities like walking, bending, and knee movement (2).
Consequently, a daily dosage of 250 mg of Bonolive® proves sufficient to deliver advantageous outcomes for both bone and joint well-being.
2. Bonolive® reduces menopause related symptoms
BioActor undertook a consumer study aimed at assessing the benefits of Bonolive® among post-menopausal women. This investigation unveiled the favorable influence of Bonolive® on alleviating menopause-related symptoms in this demographic.
The study focused on women who had already gone through menopause, aiming to see how Bonolive® affected their reported symptoms. For 28 days, participants took Bonolive® regularly. After just 14 days, they felt better in terms of bloating, anxiety, mood swings, energy levels, and skin health. This improvement continued even after the full 28 days of using Bonolive®.
This reinforces the potential of Bonolive® in enhancing the well-being of post-menopausal women.
3. Bonolive® has favorable effects on lipid control
Clinical research has shown the favorable impacts of Bonolive® in managing the blood lipid profile among post-menopausal women (1). Notably, supplementation with 250mg of Bonolive® over a 12-month period led to significant improvements. Specifically, a significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides was observed.
4. Bonolive® has a superior bioavailability
Another study aimed to assess the bioavailability of Bonolive®. Interestingly, a more substantial increase in the levels of metabolites in the blood of post-menopausal women was observed compared to women who hadn’t gone through menopause yet. This suggests that post-menopausal women experienced higher absorption of Bonolive®.
Additionally, the study revealed that Bonolive® possesses antioxidant effects, as evidenced by its ability to reduce levels of a substance called MDA, which is a marker of oxidative stress.
5. Bonolive® is a sustainable solution
Olive trees hold the distinction of being among the oldest cultivated trees globally. However, the surge in olive oil production has taken a toll on the environment (5).
The primary waste generated during olive growth is the pruned leaves of the olive trees. Yet, these leaves contain valuable compounds of which oleuropein is one. This is why Bonolive® is made from the freshly cut olive leaves, meaning it is a clean, sustainable and natural ingredient for a women’s health product.
Bonolive®: A key ingredient for women’s health
Studies have found that Bonolive® can help women stay healthy after menopause. Using Bonolive® as an olive polyphenol extract can bring big benefits to women’s health products. Bonolive® can be used in many different products and has lots of advantages. It’s a great ingredient to promote a healthier lifestyle and improve women’s well-being.
Curious to read about the clinical studies on Bonolive® in more detail? Download our white paper below!
WEBINAR - Women's Health
WEBINAR – Women’s Health
Women’s health market, clinical data and product concepts with Bonolive® to address post-menopausal-related risks
More than ever, nutrition and supplementation are recognized to be effective strategies to address women’s health. Join us in our next webinar to learn more about the market for women’s health supplements, clinical evidence supporting Bonolive®, and product formulations to target post-menopausal-related risks. The webinar will take place on September 26th at 9AM PDT | 12PM EDT | 6PM CEST.
The Women’s Health market is a very dynamic one. Join our webinar to explore evolving trends, address needs across ages, and uncover recent developments. Experts will discuss key factors shaping women’s health, providing insights for global advancement.
Menopause is an important women’s health topic. It brings unique challenges due to hormonal changes. From short-term concerns like hot flashes to long-term risks like cardiovascular issues and bone loss, nutrition and supplementation are crucial for support.
Discover Bonolive® and how BioActor’s olive polyphenol-based ingredient enhances women’s health in our upcoming webinar.
When?
September 26th, 2023 at 9AM PDT | 12PM EDT | 6PM CEST
Meet the Speakers:
What are you going to learn during this webinar?
Women’s Health Market & Trends
Presentation by Marit Veenstra – Operations Manager & Brand Strategist, who is going to talk about the present state of the Women’s Health market, the key considerations for women belonging to various age groups, and the trends within the market.
Duration: 10 minutes
Clinical Research
Presentation by Maria Imperatrice – Clinical researcher, who will introduce the science behind Bonolive® and the clinical trials showing the positive effect of Bonolive® on cardiovascular health, bone health and mobility.
Duration: 15 minutes
Formulating with Bonolive®
Presentation by Valeria Mastromartino – Account Manager, who will dive into Bonolive® mode of action, a new consumer study on its effect and product formulation examples risks related to women’s health.
Duration: 15 minutes
Q&A session
Duration: 10 minutes
From tree to health support: uncovering the benefits of olives, olive leaf and olive oil
From tree to health: uncovering the benefits of olives, olive leaf and olive oil
Delve into the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, centering on olives and extra virgin olive oil. Uncover the positive effects of oleuropein, particularly for women during and after menopause, providing natural support for overall well-being.
The Mediterranean diet has gained widespread recognition as one of the healthiest diets globally, known for its ability to prevent diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Key components of this diet include olives and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which are celebrated for their health benefits.
In this article, we will delve into the composition of olives and EVOO, exploring the various health benefits associated with their consumption. Moreover, we will focus on their potential advantages for women facing post-menopausal concerns, shedding light on the natural alternatives available to alleviate their symptoms.
Olives and extra virgin olive oil: Pillars of Mediterranean health
The Mediterranean diet revolves around plant-based foods, whole grains, nuts, herbs, and spices. It encourages moderate consumption of fish, seafood, and poultry, while red meat and sugar are consumed infrequently. The main source of added fat in this diet is EVOO, which stands out for its numerous health benefits (1).
Composition of extra virgin olive oil
EVOO is derived from freshly cold-pressed olives, the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea). This process ensures that the beneficial components of EVOO, known as biophenols, are preserved.
The primary fatty acids in EVOO are monounsaturates, particularly oleic acid, which constitutes 55-80% of the total fatty acid content. The remaining portion consists of small amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Beyond the fatty acids, EVOO contains various minor components such as antioxidants, including carotenoids, α-tocopherol, and phenol compounds. Among these phenols, the main ones found in EVOO are hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein. Oleuropein, in particular, is present in olives, olive leaves, and olive oil, making oleuropein a key player in the health benefits associated with these products.
Oleuropein: a compound from olives and olive leaf with remarkable health benefits
Oleuropein, a compound with remarkable health benefits, has been extensively studied for its potential in preventing various disorders. As an antioxidant, it effectively combats harmful compounds in the body, reducing the risk of heart problems, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and premenstrual syndrome, among others. Studies have demonstrated its ability to protect cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and contributing to the prevention of inflammatory conditions (2, 3).
Furthermore, the cardiovascular benefits of oleuropein are noteworthy, as it supports heart health by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. These effects, in combination with its antioxidant properties, contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Interestingly, while oleuropein is present in olive oil and olives, you might be surprised to learn that olive leaves contain even higher levels of this beneficial compound. This makes olive leaves a great source for obtaining oleuropein and reaping its healthful advantages (4).
Women’s health: how can it benefit from olives?
Postmenopausal women often experience symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings. The global population of postmenopausal women has grown significantly, leading to increased research on natural alternatives to alleviate these symptoms (5).
Oleuropein’s ability to lower blood pressure may be beneficial for women with hypertension during menopause. High blood pressure is a common concern during this stage of life, and the consumption of EVOO as part of the Mediterranean diet could help manage this condition naturally (6).
Oleuropein’s antioxidant properties are also relevant to women’s health. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to the development of various diseases, and antioxidants like oleuropein help counteract this stress, promoting overall well-being.
Recent studies have also shown that oleuropein has positive effects on bone health, which further enhances its impact on women’s health, especially during and after menopause.
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density and an increased risk of fractures, is a significant concern for postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes and declining estrogen levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of oleuropein play a crucial role in reducing bone loss and inflammation, helping to maintain bone strength and integrity.
By including the Mediterranean diet with its oleuropein-rich olives and EVOO, women can potentially safeguard their bone health and mitigate the risks associated with osteoporosis, contributing to an overall improvement in their well-being during the post-menopausal stage.
Oleuropein and women’s health: the benefits of olives and olive leaf
The Mediterranean diet, which includes olives and extra virgin olive oil, offers many health benefits, thanks to oleuropein: a compound that helps prevent diseases and promotes overall well-being, especially in women post-menopause.
For those who may have limited olives or olive oil in their regular diet, supplements containing high levels of oleuropein might be beneficial. Bonolive®, an ingredient by BioActor, is high in its oleuropein content and has been extensively studied. To read more about these studies, download our white paper below.
The importance of clinical research: An interview with BioActor's in-house scientists
The importance of clinical research: An interview with BioActor’s in-house scientists
Interview
In the world of clinical research and scientific exploration, BioActor stands out as a leading company dedicated to the development of health ingredients. At the forefront of BioActor’s research and development (R&D) efforts are Sanne Ahles and Maria Imperatrice, two certified clinical research scientists who play vital roles in the BioActor’s R&D initiatives. In this interview, Sanne and Maria provide insights into their responsibilities, experiences, and the challenges they face in their pursuit of scientific advancement.
Could you introduce yourself and your role within BioActor?
Sanne: My name is Sanne Ahles and I am a clinical research scientist at BioActor. In addition, I am a PhD candidate at the Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences at Maastricht University. I obtained my master’s degree in biomedical sciences after my internship at BioActor, after which I started working as a researcher.
Within BioActor, I am responsible for the research regarding our product Brainberry®, mainly focused on cognitive performance and vascular function. Over the years, I have designed, performed, analyzed, and reported various clinical studies, as well as written a systematic literature review.
Maria: My name is Maria Imperatrice and I also work as a clinical research scientist at BioActor. My research focus is Healthy Ageing and I’m currently performing two studies, Actiful2 and FEMMED, on two of our ingredients (Actiful® and Bonolive®) to evaluate their effect on exercise performance and postmenopausal symptoms, respectively.
I obtained my Bachelor Degree in Biology and my Master in Human Nutrition at the University “Federico II Di Napoli” in Italy, and my second master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, with a specialisation in Sport and Nutrition, at Maastricht University.
At BioActor, we highly value clinical research because it plays a crucial role in providing evidence-based ingredients. What does clinical research entail and what do you like about it?
Sanne: Clinical research entails many different processes. This includes idea formation and initial literature searches, finding collaborations, obtaining ethics approval, practical work, data analyses, writing reports and papers, and communicating our results at national and international conferences.
Maria: A very interesting part for us is the ideation of the study. At BioActor we highly value innovation, which is why before starting a new clinical trial, we sit in brainstorming sessions with the R&D, marketing and sales teams to try to find white spaces in the current knowledge that can be of interest for the common public and different health domains. Once we find an interesting and never explored topic, the investigation can start.
Could you briefly take us through the process of a clinical trial?
Sanne: First, we initiate the idea formation process by brainstorming ideas that are relevant to customer questions or explore new areas of interest. Next, we perform literature searches to look for relevant papers, available data, and discover white space; topics that have not yet been researched.
Then we reach out to a collaborator, usually a professor at a University, to work with on developing a protocol for ethics review.
Maria: Once we obtain ethics approval, we dive into the practical phase of the clinical trial. This involves engaging with participants through visits where we collect data. This includes not only traditional data that we can extrapolate by collecting blood samples, but also performing tests to evaluate outcomes like reaction time, exercise capacity and mental flexibility.
It’s an interactive and rewarding experience that brings our research to life and allows us to better understand how our ingredients contribute to improving human health and develop evidence-based solutions. Afterwards, we analyze the data, draw conclusions, and share our findings through peer-reviewed publications. It’s a cool journey from start to finish!
Which of the above do you enjoy the most as a scientist?
Sanne: I enjoy collaborating with other companies or academic institutes! It’s such an incredible opportunity for us to broaden our knowledge and take our research to the next level. The energy and creativity that come from working with diverse teams is truly great.
Maria: The practical side of our work is always interesting! Collecting data means we get to perform visits with participants, and trust me, it’s never boring when you’re involved in a human study. The hands-on experience and the constant interaction with people make it such an exciting and fulfilling part of our job.
What is the biggest challenge in designing a study?
Sanne: In my opinion, the biggest challenge in designing a study is obtaining ethics approval, which is a rigorous and time-consuming process. We meticulously prepare documents explaining our research goals, methodology, and participant recruitment.
The ethical committee thoroughly reviews these documents, granting final approval for each aspect of our research.
Maria: I agree! Obtaining ethics approval is a significant challenge. However, this process is crucial for upholding ethical standards and protecting participant rights.
It also adds credibility to our research, fostering trust and allowing our findings to have a greater impact. Despite the challenges, navigating the ethics approval process is vital for conducting valuable and ethically sound research.
What is the best part of working at BioActor as a scientist?
Sanne & Maria: Being a scientist at BioActor is truly rewarding due to the chance to collaborate with a dynamic and passionate team of international colleagues. Within BioActor, we also see other aspects of the company besides R&D.
Our weekly company meetings allow us to really understand the bigger picture of the company and understand what each department entails. Consequently, we explore different facets of the company and gain valuable insights beyond our specific research and development focus.
BioActor: Using clinical science as the key to innovative ingredients
Sanne Ahles and Maria Imperatrice exemplify the passion and dedication that drive BioActor’s pursuit of finding new health effects of ingredients and advancing scientific innovation. From ideation to practical implementation, data analysis, and knowledge dissemination; they are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and embracing the multidisciplinary nature of their work. Sanne and Maria contribute to BioActor’s mission of creating innovative and impactful solutions for a healthier life.
Simple ways to boost your cardiovascular health
Simple ways to boost your cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health refers to the health of the cardiovascular system. Its definition is based on all the behaviors and health factors that, when optimal, are associated with better cardiovascular disease-free survival and quality of life. Choosing a healthy diet, being more active, and maintaining normal blood lipid and glucose levels are some of the strategies that help to maintain great cardiovascular health throughout our lives.
How to define cardiovascular health?
The American Heart Association has provided a number of metric definitions that can be used to classify poor, intermediate, or ideal cardiovascular health. These include diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep, weight, blood and glucose levels, and blood pressure.
Pursuing a healthier lifestyle from a young age is a great strategy for maintaining ideal cardiovascular health throughout our lives. This will result in a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, strokes, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and vein diseases (1).
In this article, we will dive into the 7 ways to improve your cardiovascular health!
Healthy eating behaviors
Creating a healthy eating pattern represents an easy way to improve your cardiovascular health. This means preferring certain foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant-based proteins, fish and limiting sweetened drinks, alcohol, full-fat dairy products, and highly processed foods.
Avoiding trans-fat and partially hydrogenated oils that are contained in many commercial baked goods represents another good and easy strategy to improve your eating habits (1).
Poly-phenols derived from olives also have many beneficial effects and represent a promising, natural ingredient for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (2).
Quit smoking
Smoking is deleterious for your circulatory system as it increases your risk of stroke in both men and women. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products contain many toxic chemicals, as do their smoke, and liquids. Several beneficial changes occur after quitting smoking and within 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease goes down by half (1).
Increase your physical activity levels
Regular exercise and physical activity are associated with remarkable health benefits. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both, throughout the week. Parking farther away from your work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator contributes to your physical activity levels and improves your health benefits (1).
Improve your sleep quality
Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. Short sleep duration or poor sleep quality is associated with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis. These conditions can be prevented by aiming for an average of 7-9 hours of good sleep a day (1).
Control your body weight
Maintaining a healthy weight, defined as a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 for adults, can help reduce the risk of many heart problems such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
A few strategies that can help control your body weight include choosing a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity levels, limiting alcohol, avoiding stress, and improving your sleep quality (1).
Maintain normal blood lipid and glucose levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs, in the right amounts, for good health. Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly can help you understand whether you have normal blood lipid levels.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage your health too. Blood glucose levels rise because of the glucose that enters the bloodstream and insulin, a hormone that helps the cells take up the glucose they can use for energy production.
A healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, and lean animal proteins, may help you control cholesterol and glucose levels. Other strategies that are good for your cholesterol and glucose levels include being more active, quitting smoke, and maintaining a healthy weight (3).
Control your blood pressure
Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of your blood on the walls of the arteries as your heart pumps it throughout your body. When your blood pressure is permanently higher than normal, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases.
There are no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which means it is crucial to have regular check-ups to measure it. Simple changes to your lifestyle, such as eating healthy and being more active can help manage your blood pressure over time (4).
How to improve your cardiovascular health?
To summarize, choosing a healthy diet, quitting smoking, being more active, improving sleep health, maintaining normal blood lipid, and glucose levels, and managing your blood pressure are great strategies to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease thus, improving your cardiovascular health.
Nourishing foods that may help relieve menopause symptoms
Nourishing foods that may help relieve menopause symptoms
During and after menopause many women experience uncomfortable side effects such as bloating, hot flashes, and night sweats. These physical symptoms can be accompanied by emotional changes. While hormonal therapy can help alleviate symptoms, it may also have side effects. Therefore, more attention is being given to changes in diet or the use of natural supplements. This article will explore how certain products like fish, olive leaf extract, yogurt, and flaxseed may be able to provide relief from menopause symptoms.
Foods to alleviate menopause symptoms
As women approach menopause a lot of changes occur. Their estrogen levels decrease, leading to various symptoms such as bloating, night sweats, anxiety, or depression.
Menopause can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and bone loss, which are commonly ignored. However, making some dietary changes can be an effective and easy way to alleviate these symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss five foods that can help ease menopause symptoms.
1. Fish rich in n-3 PUFAs for menopause support
Fish is a great source of healthy and essential fatty acids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) that have protective effects and anti-inflammatory actions. These fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon and some algae species.
Research has shown that consuming fish or fish oil can reduce depression, anxiety (1), hot flashes, and sleeping problems (2) in menopausal women. In addition, fatty fish is rich in vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and maintaining bone health.
If you don’t eat fish, you can still get the benefits of n-3 PUFAs by consuming foods rich in α-linoleic acid (ALA), which our bodies can convert into these beneficial fatty acids. ALA has been shown to improve skin hydration and smoothness and can be found in foods like flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds (1), as well as soy products that we’ll discuss later.
2. Olive leaf extract for menopausal symptoms
Olives contain (poly)phenolic compounds that have many positive effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as anticancer properties (3).
Interestingly, olive leaves contain significantly higher concentrations of phenolic compounds compared to olives or olive oil (4). As a result, they may have even greater potential for exerting beneficial effects on health. In fact, research has already demonstrated that taking olive leaf extract daily can be an effective alternative treatment for reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (5).
One of the key phenolic compounds found in olive leaf extract is oleuropein, which has been shown to have a significant impact on women’s health during post-menopause. Oleuropein has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels, lower the risk of bone loss, alleviate joint pain, and improve mobility (6,7).
3. Soy products
Soy products, including soy milk, soybeans, and tofu, are rich in isoflavones, which are plant-derived estrogens and selective modulators of estrogen receptors in the body. These properties make soy products a promising alternative to hormonal therapy.
Soybeans contain essential fatty acids, such as ALA (α-linoleic acid), that have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, soy protein has been found to reduce bad cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases (8).
One of the isoflavones found in soybeans is genistein, which is structurally similar to female estrogen and can alleviate menopausal hot flashes. Another isoflavone, daidzein, can inhibit cell proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as ovary, prostate, and breast cancer (9).
4. Yogurt to support menopause
Yogurt is a nutrient-rich food that contains calcium and vitamin D, which are important ingredients to improve bone health during menopause. Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are considered ‘good’ bacteria, are used to make yoghurt and they are also present in the final product, making yogurt a source of probiotics that can benefit gut health.
Research has shown that consuming extra probiotics in yogurt can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, and improve overall quality of life compared to regular yogurt (10). However, regular yogurt also has similar long-term effects. Additionally, yogurt may have a role in appetite control, making it a helpful food for weight management (11).
Studies have suggested that a well-balanced diet that includes milk and dairy products, like yogurt, may also improve sleep quality (12).
How can foods help with menopause symptoms?
To summarize, consuming fish, soy products, whole grains, olive leaf extract, and yogurt can promote healthy cholesterol levels, maintain bone mass, reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, and help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, these natural products are worth considering.
What is (peri)menopause and which changes occur?
What is (peri)menopause and which changes occur?
Menopause leads to changes in women’s bodies and marks the end of the childbearing years. It involves hormonal changes that can lead to both physical and mental symptoms that are better known as menopause symptoms. Because menopause does not occur overnight, a distinction is made between the period called perimenopause and the period that comes after, namely (post)menopause. Each of these periods comes with their own issues and symptoms.
What is menopause?
Menopause is marked by the moment that no menstruation has occurred for at least 12 months. This occurs on average when women are between 45 to 55 years of age. However, this varies from woman to woman and depends on multiple factors.
Entering menopause is not an immediate process and does not happen overnight: it is a process that can last for years (1). For this reason we make a distinction between menopause and perimenopause.
What is perimenopause?
The explicit sign that menopause has started is the definitive cessation of menstruation. This does not occur suddenly, but after a long period of irregularity, which begins to manifest itself during perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the phase in which the first bodily changes related to menopause occur. These changes are evident signs of decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. (2)
During perimenopause, estrogen deficiency occurs that can no longer be compensated by changes in ovarian hormone production. This decline in ovarian function is a characteristic trigger of natural menopause and because of it circulating estradiol levels will go down. This reduction in estradiol levels will prevent the ovulation from happening, which is thought to be the reason for irregular menstruation.
Postmenopause is the period that begins after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. From this moment on the discomforts related to (peri)menopause will become lighter.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. The symptoms that are experienced during and after menopause vary greatly from one person to another.
While some women suffer few to no symptoms, others may experience severe symptoms affecting their daily activities and quality of life. In some cases, the symptoms may last for various years (3).
Symptoms of perimenopause
Symptoms that can occur during perimenopause include, but are not limited to:
• Irregular menstruation cycle, this is a clear sign that hormones are starting to act up.
• Menstruation that is heavier or lighter than normal, which indicates a change in hormonal balance
• Weight gain, and a general accentuation of roundness can become a very delicate aspect to manage, also from an emotional point of view.
• Changes in hair quality, most women find that their hair loses volume and length around menopause.
• Headaches, the hormone changes that happen as women approach menopause mean that all types of headaches, including migraines, become more common.
• Muscle aches, estrogen affects your cartilage (which is the connective tissue in joints) as well as the replacement of bone, this plays a part in inflammation and pain.
• Bone issues, though it is less noticeable, bone health diminishes during menopause. For this reason, a lot of products exist to improve bone health during (peri)menopause.
Symptoms of (post)menopause
As stated before, after perimenopause starts the actual menopause, which brings its own types of symptoms. These symptoms include:
• Night sweats and hot flashes are one of the most typical effects of hormonal imbalance. Many women experience such a sudden rush of feeling hot.
• Anxiety or irritability. There are a lot of physical changes during menopause, but emotional changes often occur as well. This happens because the drop in estrogen and progesterone lead to a decrease in expression of several brain chemicals that make you feel calm, happy or energetic. This can cause women to feel anxious or irritable.
• Mood swings also occur due to the hormonal changes. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone lead to fluctuations in other brain chemicals as well, leading to these mood swings.
• Depression is a symptom that can occur during both perimenopause and menopause and is more severe compared to anxiety, irritability or mood swings. Changes in hormones might put women more at risk for depression and this also falls under the emotional changes during menopause.
• Insomnia: overall studies show that women in menopause have more trouble with sleeping. These disturbance include difficulty getting to sleep, to stay asleep, early morning wakenings and problems with the overall quality of sleep.
• Fatigue, Low energy is one common effects that many women experience before, during, and after this transition time. This often is a result of the sleeping problems described before, but has to do with the previously mentioned ‘energetic’ chemicals in your brain as well.
• Dry skin, due to decreasing estrogen levels can become less supple, smooth, and soft. Fine wrinkles, dark spots, and less elasticity are usually not far behind.
Relieving symptoms of perimenopause and (post)menopause
Menopause is a period of hormonal changes marked by physical and emotional changes. A lot of people worry about this and it can be hard to experience these symptoms. For this reason, there are several ways to alleviate these symptoms. Of course, medicinal products are available, but natural ways to relieve symptoms exist as well. Changes in diet and physical activity could be a way to relieve symptoms associated with menopause.
New Open Label Study: Bonolive® shows increase in skin quality and menopause-related quality of life in postmenopausal women
New Open Label Study: Bonolive® shows increase in skin quality and menopause-related quality of life in postmenopausal women
Press release
BioActor recruited 23 Dutch and Italian postmenopausal women to assess their postmenopausal symptoms after 28 days of supplementation of Bonolive®. Self-assessed improvement of symptoms and skin quality were recorded after 14 days of supplementation. Symptoms such as feeling bloated, feeling anxious or nervous, mood swings and nail strength improved significantly, highlighting the effects of Bonolive® to benefit women’s health.
Postmenopausal symptoms and quality of life
During each woman’s life, many hormonal fluctuations occur, and they have an important impact on their quality of life. During and after menopause, these fluctuations can result in symptoms that can severely influence day-to-day tasks.
For many women, menopause-related symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, sweating, trouble sleeping, mood swings, irritability, skin dryness, and more. A lot of solutions are available, but an increasing number of women prefers a natural option to treat these postmenopausal symptoms.
Bonolive® is an olive leaf extract standardized for high oleuropein content, a powerful phytonutrient unique to the olive tree that offers a natural way in the management of menopause in its different phases.
The benefits of Bonolive® have been assessed in several clinical studies, which demonstrated its positive effect on bone, joint and cardiovascular health, as well as its strong antioxidant properties.
Open-label study in Post menopause women
Recently, BioActor has completed an open-label study on 23 postmenopausal women in the Netherlands and Italy, who consumed 250 mg of Bonolive® per day for 28 days.
In this open-label study, we aimed to investigate the short-term (28 days) effects of 250 mg/day Bonolive® supplementation on self-assessed postmenopausal symptoms in healthy post menopausal women (45 – 65 years). Participants were included in the study if they were healthy postmenopausal (i.e. no menstruation for at least 1 year) women with age between 45 and 65 years.
The study results
Three times during the study (at baseline and at 14 and 28 days), participants had to complete an online questionnaire to self-assess their postmenopausal symptoms. After they filled in the questionnaire at baseline, they began their Bonolive® supplementation.
The results show that the participants experienced a significant improvement (P≤0.05) after 28 days of supplementation for specific postmenopausal symptoms: feeling bloated, feeling anxious or nervous, mood swings and night sweats. Furthermore, they indicated to notice and improvement in skin elasticity, skin hydration, nail strength and in energy and vitality.
* Sig (P≤0.05) compared to baseline.
Our consumer study demonstrates that short-term supplementation with 250 mg/day of Bonolive® results in significant beneficial effects on a wide range of post-menopausal symptoms. Therefore, we think that Bonolive® could be a meaningful addition to any nutritional supplement that aims to improve women’s quality of life during and after menopause.
After finishing her participation in the study one participant said:
“After Bonolive® supplementation, my skin is luminous and plumped too. My hair has fallen out less during this period. I would recommend Bonolive® to all my family and friends “
The participants reported that one of the advantages of Bonolive® is that it improved their skin quality and decreased their bloated feeling.
About BioActor
BioActor, based at the Maastricht Health Campus, Netherlands, is a life science company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & consumer health industries. The company focuses on the development of plant-based health ingredients for active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & consumer health industries with clinically tested innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact BioActor via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Brainberry® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.bonolive.com and www.bioactor.com
Why is bone health important and how does it work? (functions, bone metabolism and influencing factors)
Why is bone health important and how does it work? (functions, bone metabolism and influencing factors)
Our bones play various key functions for our bodies, and it is therefore important to maintain their health. To do so, it is essential to understand how our bones work and what factors affect bone health. Bone metabolism is a lifelong occurring process where bone tissue is turned over from mature to new bone tissue. This process keeps your bones healthy and their health is influenced by several aspects, such as age, gender, family history and several risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity and diet.
Bone health, menopause, and dietary supplements
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation naturally occurring in females at an average age of 51 [1].
Importantly, menopause leads to a decrease in estrogen levels and consequently increases bone loss. Estrogen is a hormone responsible for menstruation and known to have protective effects on bone loss and reduce inflammation.
Bone tissue in women is generally thinner than in men, and bone density has been reported to markedly decrease after menopause (post-menopause). Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in just 5-7 years due to these hormonal shifts and experience increased joint pain [2].
The rise in the use of dietary supplements, especially by post-menopausal women, who are at risk of bone loss, is growing tremendously as advances in research are made, and the benefits of multiple natural ingredients are proven [3].
How does bone metabolism work?
Bone metabolism, also known as bone remodelling, is a lifelong occurring process where bone tissue is turned over from mature to new bone tissue. Bone resorption is the process where mature bone tissue is removed by osteoclasts and ossification is the formation of new bone tissue executed by osteoblasts [4]. These processes are responsible for replacing and reshaping bone following injuries such as fractures, but also micro-damage occurring during normal activity.
In the early stages of life, nearly 100% of the skeleton is replaced, due to the bones needing to develop, lengthen and grow. While in adults, bone remodelling proceeds at about 10% yearly [5].
For as long as bone growth is greater than bone breakdown, adults are able to maintain healthy bones. Many living cells within bone originate from the same mesenchymal stem cell. These mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into the various cell types present in bone, such as osteoblasts (bone-building cells), adipocytes (fat cells) and chondrocytes (cartilage) [6].
However, due to stress, inflammation and ageing, this differentiation shifts towards producing more fat cells and fewer osteoblasts, resulting in more brittle and fatty bones [7]. Usually, bone mass starts to decline at the age of 40 as bone loss overtakes the speed of bone growth [8].
Fortunately, there are factors at play that we have control over to mitigate this bone loss.
What are the factors influencing bone health?
Although both our genes and the environment influence bone health, there is only one we have control over. Our genes, for example, determine whether signalling errors occur and lead to birth defects, while the extrinsic factors, such as lifestyle and diet, are crucial for optimising and maintaining bone health. Bone loss, also referred to as osteoporosis, affects people of all different ages and backgrounds. However, other intrinsic factors that are out of our control include:
• Age: naturally as we grow older, our bone mass and strength decreases. This is mainly due to decreased osteoblast activity and an increase in osteoblast apoptosis, while inflammation increases [9,10].
• Gender: osteoporosis is four times more common in women than men [11].
• Body frame size: people with small body frames tend to have a higher risk of bone loss as they have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Family history: having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk..
Fortunately, however, we do have the ability to modify extrinsic factors such as physical activity, diet choices and lifestyle choices. Here is how they can disturb bone health:
• Tobacco use: smoking contributes to weak bones by disturbing the balance of bone turnover negatively.
• Physical inactivity: just like muscles, bones gets stronger by exercising them. Resistance exercise and weight-bearing exercise help with this.
• Alcohol use: alcohol interferes with the calcium balance and affects the production of hormones, linking chronic alcohol intake to an increase in bone fractures and falls.
• Diet: foods high in calcium, and vitamin D such as dairy products and green leafy vegetables should be consumed in sufficient quantities to support the maintenance of bone health [12]. Additionally, polyphenols such as oleuropein can help mitigate bone loss, especially with age, through their anti-oxidative effects reducing inflammation [13].
If you want to know more about the crucial nutrients for bone health, click here and read our article on the 8 best ingredients.
8 Ingredients proven to improve bone health during (post)menopause
8 Ingredients proven to improve bone health during (post)menopause
Bone health is crucial to maintain, particularly after menopause. Consumption of dietary supplements, especially in post-menopausal women is on the rise, as advances in research are made and proven benefits are elucidated. Here we mention some of the ingredients that have demonstrated the ability to support women during menopause – specifically for the loss and maintenance of bone mineral density! You will also learn about which foods contain these ingredients, how they are beneficial to bone health and their recommended daily intake.
Bone health, menopause, and dietary supplements
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation naturally occurring in females at an average age of 51 [1].
Importantly, menopause leads to a decrease in estrogen levels and consequently increases bone loss. Estrogen is a hormone responsible for menstruation and known to have protective effects on bone loss and reduce inflammation.
Bone tissue in women is generally thinner than in men, and bone density has been reported to markedly decrease after menopause (post-menopause). Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in just 5-7 years due to these hormonal shifts and experience increased joint pain [2].
The rise in the use of dietary supplements, especially by post-menopausal women, who are at risk of bone loss, is growing tremendously as advances in research are made, and the benefits of multiple natural ingredients are proven [3].
8 ingredients to sustain bone health in menopause.
Calcium & Vitamin D
Calcium is a critical component of bone architecture necessary for the deposition of bone minerals. Around 99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, making them strong and hard [4].
Vitamin D is vital for regulating intestinal calcium absorption and stimulating bone resorption to maintain serum calcium concentration [5]. There are, however, substances that can interfere with the body’s ability to use calcium, such as oxalate, protein, phytate, and caffeine.
Examples of foods rich in calcium include dairy, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables. While the predominant way of ascertaining vitamin D is through our own body’s synthesis stimulated by sufficient sunlight exposure on our skin. Thus, supplementation of vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is advocated during autumn and winter due to limited sunlight availability, depending on geography.
Women under the age of 50 should consume a daily dosage of 1000mg of Calcium and 400-800IU Vitamin D, while women above the age of 50 should consume 1200mg of calcium and 800-1000IU of vitamin D daily [6].
Vitamin C, B9 and B12, K
Vitamin C is important in stimulating the differentiation of osteoblasts, cells that synthesize bone matrix and coordinate bone mineralization [7].
Antioxidant effects of vitamin C have also been reported to reduce bones from cell damage and may improve left ventricular diastolic function which menopausal women often experience a dramatic reduction in [8]. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
Vitamin B9 (folate) and B12 are major determinants of homocysteine levels. Thus, a deficiency in vitamin B9 and B12 leads to increased homocysteine levels, which have been associated with impaired bone health and osteoporosis, a condition concerning weak and brittle bones [9].
Vitamin B9 and B12 have also been reported to assist with reducing the severity and duration of hot flashes and other menopause symptoms [10]. Therefore, increasing folate and B12 levels through foods such as pulses, legumes, beans, brown rice and, you guessed it, leafy green vegetables, can improve bone health.
Moreover, vitamin K has been reported to assist with reducing hot flashes and other menopause symptoms [11].
The recommended daily amount for adult women according to the National Institutes of Health for vitamin C is 75mg; for vitamin B9 is 400mcg DFE; for vitamin B12 is 2.4mcg and ultimately for vitamin K is 90mcg [12].
Quercetin
Quercetin is the bioactive compound abundantly found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and onions. Studies show that onions reduce bone loss due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoid, quercetin [13].
Quercetin inhibits the genesis and differentiation of osteoclasts, preserving bone mass and health. Bone mineral density in postmenopausal women has also been reported to improve when supplementing with onion juice [14].
Quercetin at a dose of 150 mg has been shown to improve bone-health metrics, which is around three servings of onion [15]. Note, quercetin is found in the pigment and outer layer of the onion, with red and yellow ones thus having higher concentrations.
Bonolive® (olive leaf extract 40% oleuropein)
Clinical research in post-menopausal women has demonstrated that 12 months of supplementation with 250mg of Bonolive® is able to increase osteocalcin levels by 32%, promote the activity of osteoblasts (the bone-building cells), and decrease osteoclast activity involved in the breakdown and resorption of bone [16,17]. Thus the clinical dosage of 250mg is recommended.
Moreover, after 12 months, the Bonolive® treatment group displayed a significant protection against bone loss, compared to the placebo group.
Additionally, chondrocytes, important for cartilage-building, are also increased while cartilage degeneration is inhibited through oleuropein. Further benefits can be ascribed to oleuropein’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oleuropein can be found in olive oil and olive leaf, although in limited quantities and therefore, supplementation with a high-quality, standardized extract such as Bonolive® is a more convenient method of consuming this nutrient in adequate quantities.
Improve bone health during menopause
In conclusion, a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, together with the right supplementations may help ameliorate bone health during menopause and promote healthy ageing and active living.