Can a multivitamin supplement reduce menopausal symptoms and improve brain function during perimenopause?
Around 13 million women in the UK go through the menopause. Many experience symptoms like hot flushes, low mood, poor sleep, and memory problems, often called 'brain fog'. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps many women, but it does not suit everyone. Safe, non-hormonal alternatives are urgently needed. This pilot study tests whether an everyday multi-nutrient supplement called Vitals+ can support brain health and ease symptoms. The supplement includes vitamins, minerals, omega-3 oils, and plant extracts. This is an intensive 'deep dive' study focusing on just one woman aged 45 to 55 who has had perimenopausal symptoms for at least two years. Over seven months, she will visit the centre in Norwich 32 times for quick brain scans, complete weekly online surveys, and take the supplement for 12 weeks. The results will help researchers plan larger trials in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to the menopause when hormone levels change. Millions of women experience frustrating symptoms during this time, including hot flushes, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment, some women cannot take it for medical reasons, or simply prefer not to. Scientists are keen to discover whether high-quality daily nutrition can provide a helpful alternative.
This clinical study explores whether a commercially available supplement called Vitals+ can make a difference. The supplement contains a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant extracts designed to support brain function. Researchers want to see if taking two capsules a day can improve memory, lift mood, and reduce everyday menopausal discomfort.
Because every person's biology is unique, this project uses an 'in-depth' approach focusing entirely on one woman. By tracking a single person very closely before, during, and after taking the supplement, the research team can spot exact changes in brain activity, blood markers, and daily wellbeing. What they learn from this detailed test will pave the way for bigger trials with larger groups of women.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether a daily multivitamin can reduce perimenopause symptoms and brain fog.
- Looking for one woman aged 45–55 who has had symptoms for at least two years.
- Requires 32 visits over seven months to the University of East Anglia in Norwich.
- Involves regular 30-minute brain scans, finger-prick tests, and taking capsules for 12 weeks.
- Volunteers must not be taking HRT or any other nutritional supplements.
Who may be eligible?
The researchers are looking for one healthy woman aged 45 to 55 who lives within easy travel distance of Norwich. She must have been experiencing perimenopausal symptoms for at least two years, but must not yet be fully postmenopausal (meaning her periods have not completely stopped for a full year).
To ensure the results are clear, the participant must not currently be taking HRT or any other vitamins or dietary supplements, and must not have taken them in the past three months. She should also eat a standard diet rather than one packed with high-strength fortified foods, large amounts of fruit and vegetables, or regular oily fish, as these could cloud the test results.
Because the study involves regular brain scans, the participant must be comfortable with MRI machines. Anyone with metal implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, or severe claustrophobia will not be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am a woman aged between 45 and 55.
- I have had perimenopausal symptoms for at least two years.
- I am not currently taking HRT and have not used supplements in the last three months.
- I am able and willing to travel to Norwich for 32 separate visits over seven months.
- I do not have metal implants, a pacemaker, or severe claustrophobia that would stop me having an MRI.
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts around seven months and requires a major time commitment. The participant will visit the brain imaging centre at the University of East Anglia in Norwich 32 times. Each visit lasts up to one hour and includes a painless 30-minute brain MRI scan, a blood pressure check, a quick mood survey, and a small finger-prick blood sample.
During the middle 12 weeks of the study, the participant will take two Vitals+ capsules every day. There is an eight-week monitoring period before starting the capsules and another eight-week period after finishing them. Once a week at home, she will also complete short online memory games and symptom diaries.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaCity onlyNorwich, England
Common questions
Why is the study only recruiting one person?
This is a special 'proof-of-concept' study. Looking very closely at one person over many months allows scientists to collect rich, detailed data to see if a larger trial with hundreds of women is worth running.
Do I have to pay for the supplements or tests?
No. The study supplement, scans, and health checks are all provided free of charge by the research team.
Where does the study take place?
All 32 in-person visits take place at the Wellcome-Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.
Can I take part if I am already taking HRT?
No. You cannot be using HRT or taking any other vitamin supplements, as the researchers need to test the effect of Vitals+ on its own.
What happens if I feel uncomfortable inside the MRI scanner?
You are always in control. You will hold an emergency squeeze bulb during every scan, allowing you to pause or stop the scan immediately if you feel uneasy.
How to find out more
Anne-Marie Minihane
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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