FLORA PAUSE
Gynecology
- Highly bioavailable source of zinc
- Produces vitamin K2
- Ameliorates hot flashes
- Antioxidant activity
Bifidobacterium lactis Bb1 (DSM 17850) tyndallized
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP14 (DSM 33401)
Vitamin D3
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata L) roots, d.e.
Isoflavones
Zinc
Label claim (Europe)
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, and D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of vitamin D as referred to in the claim.
EFSA Claim: contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity
During menopause, women often face a decline in steroid hormone levels, which can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypertension, and deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins [1-3]. Additionally, the hormonal status associated with menopause is likely to escalate oxidative processes [4].
Bifidobacterium lactis Bb1 has been selected for its unique ability to internalize a high amount of zinc. An in vitro study demonstrated that zinc internalized by Bb1 exhibited significantly enhanced absorption by Caco-2 cells [5]:
- Over 16 times higher than zinc gluconate.
- 31.5 times higher than zinc sulphate.
Moreover, Bb1 was the only form able to reach higher concentrations in the Transwell basolateral compartment compared to the apical department [6].
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP14 has been proven to be a robust producer of Vitamin K2, which has osteoprotective effects due to its involvement in bone formation and repair [7]. Vitamin K2 is also crucial for cardiovascular health as it regulates calcium homeostasis, inhibits calcification in blood vessels, and improves arterial flexibility [8].
Zinc plays an essential role in collagen synthesis and bone mineralization, alleviating vaginal dryness during menopause, and supporting immune cell production. Zinc supplementation in postmenopausal women may reduce osteoporotic risk. As a major antioxidant mineral, zinc inhibits the expansion and adverse effects of free radicals and regulates the oxidant-antioxidant balance in cells. Recent controlled studies have also indicated zinc supplementation as an effective treatment for depressive symptoms in pre-menopausal women with zinc deficiency. Furthermore, zinc deficiency contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [9-13].
Vitamin D3 has been widely recognized in literature over the past 20 years for its critical role in preventing osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders, especially in women during the perimenopausal period [14-16].
Pueraria lobata (Kudzu) dry extract: Rich in isoflavones (6 different types), which are more easily absorbed and stable in the gut than those in soy. Isoflavones provide phytoestrogens that are beneficial in menopause, reducing symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, aiding bone remineralization, supporting the cardiovascular system, and alleviating nervous hunger [17].
1. Bednarek-Tupikowska G, et al. Zinc, Cooper, Manganese, and Selenium Status in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women During Sex Hormone Therapy. Adv Clin Exp Med 2010;19:337–345.
2. Davis SR. Menopause: new therapies. Med J Aust. 2003 Jun 16;178(12):634-7. Doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05391.x
3. Bureau I, et al. Trace mineral status in post menopausal women: impact of hormonal replacement therapy. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2002;16(1):9-13. doi: 10.1016/S0946-672X(02)80003-7
4. Stojanovic A, et al. The Influence of Menopause and Inflammation on Redox Status and Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Jan 7;2021:9458587. Doi: 10.1155/2021/9458587
5. Mogna L. et al. Selenium and zinc internalized by Lactobacillus buchneri Lb26 (DSM 16341) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb1 (DSM 17850): improved bioavailability using a new biological approach. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2012; 46 Suppl:S41-5. DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e318268861d
6. Internal Probiotical data
7. Akbari S, Rasouli-Ghahroudi AA. Vitamin K and Bone Metabolism: A Review of the Latest Evidence in Preclinical Studies. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Ju 27;2018:4629383. Doi: 10.1155/2018/4629383
8. Hariri E, et al. Vitamin K2-a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review. Open Heart. 2021 Nov;8(2):e001715. Doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001715
9. Nasiadek M, et al. The Role of Zinc in Selected Female Reproductive System Disorders. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 16;12(8):2464. Doi: 10.3390/nu12082464
10.Razmandeh R, et al. Association of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium with bone mineral density in Iranian postmenopausal women - a case control study. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2014 Mar 6;13(1):43. doi: 10.1186/2251-6581-13-43
11. Pae M, et al. The role of nutrition in enhancing immunity in aging. Aging Dis. 2012 Feb;3(1):91-129. Epub 2011 Sep 30.
12. Lomagno KA, et al. Increasing iron and zinc in pre-menopausal women and its effects on mood and cognition: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):5117- 5141. Doi: 10.3390/nu6115117
13. Knez M, Glibetic M. Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health. Front Nutr. 2021 Jul 30;8:686078. Doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.686078
14. Bener. A., Saleh N., Low vitamin D, and bone mineral density with depressive symptoms burden in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Journal of Mid-life Health. 2015;6(3):108. Doi: 10.4103/0976-7800.165590
15. Nair R, Maseeh A. Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2012;3(2):118-26. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.95506
16. Dean AJ. et al., Effects of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive and emotional functioning in young adults--a randomised controlled trial. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(11): e25966. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025966
17. Tousen Y, et al. Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Isoflavones from Pueraria (Kudzu) Flower Extract in Ovariectomised Mice: A Comparison with Soy Isoflavones. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jun 12;20(12):2867. Doi: 10.3390/ijms20122867
