Just read a bit of the article linked lower down:
In a 2016 study of gingko biloba supplements bought in London, 33 out of 35 showed evidence of adulteration or extract levels which were too high or low; when a UCL and BBC team looked at 70 milk-thistle, evening primrose and gingko supplements, 36% of the milk thistle products contained no milk thistle and 27% of the gingko supplements contained no gingko.
We've had many questions about milk thistle over the years. And I wrote a blog highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their use, especially in those with thyroid issues:
But if 36% contained no milk thistle at all, maybe I should not have been so concerned.
helvella - Milk Thistle, Silymarin & Silychristin
Some information and cautions regarding the use of Milk Thistle and its derivatives, especially in those with thyroid issues.
Last updated 28/12/2024
Link to blog:
helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...
Just to reassure, I do not think this is saying all supplements are bad/ineffective, nor that properly considered HRT is bad.
But these supplements are a massive money spinning enterprise. Even if they worked.
The big menopause swizz: do hormone supplements really work?
The global market for menopause products is worth £16.93bn, the majority of that spent on dietary supplements – but is there any evidence they do anything?