'I wish to Christ they did something' - Expert slams Holland & Barrett 'placebo' chocolate bar

A women's health specialist says new Holland & Barrett chocolate snack is "marketing at its best".

Dr Deirdre Lundy, spoke with Joe Duffy on RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, expressing skepticism over "health" products claiming to help menopause symptoms.

One of the most recent products released by healthfood store chain, Holland & Barrett, is 'Menopause Almonds in Dark Chocolate with Benefits', which Dr Lundy, says has "no scientific proof" that these ingredients directly impact menopause symptoms. 

"I love chocolate, and I like almonds, and I wish to Christ they did something for menopause symptoms but there's absolutely no proof that that has any effect on menopause", she said.

The product's packaging claims it contains Afron, a clinically studied saffron extract, and vitamin B6 to support mood and hormonal regulation during menopause. However, Dr Lundy dismissed these claims, saying that vitamins like B6 can be beneficial, but should ideally be consumed through a balanced diet rather than supplements, unless "chronically deficient".

She criticised the reliance on marketing over scientific evidence, noting that independent studies rarely find these products more effective than a placebo. "You put the word 'menopause' on any product and you're going to get an increase of sales amongst a certain cohort of people," she added.

As head of Ireland's first public menopause clinic in the National Maternity Hospital, Dr Lundy stated: "The majority of my working life now is helping people manage menopausal symptoms who, for the most part, are not allowed go near hormones. So I'm always scratching around for non-HRT ways, and if any of those vitamins or supplements were effective I would be promoting them, but I'm not."

The discussion also addressed the high cost of these products, like the Holland & Barrett bar priced at five euro, which Dr Lundy called "outrageous" compared to regular chocolate bars.

Despite this, Dr Lundy is optimistic about the future of menopause care in Ireland, as she revealed plans for the HSE to expand services, potentially accommodating a broader range of patients by 2025.

Currently, six specialized clinics operate, primarily catering to women with complex needs not met in general practice.