Physical Exercise and Dietary Supplementation in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Systematic Review.

Juan Carlos Sánchez-García, Daniel López Hernández, Beatriz Piqueras-Sola, Jonathan Cortés-Martín, Andrés Reinoso-Cobo, María José Menor-Rodríguez, Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque

Journal: Journal of clinical medicine 2023;12(23):7271

PMID: 38068323

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Plain Language Summary

Menopause is a process that marks the end of the reproductive phase in women. Menopause means both that the ovaries stop producing eggs and that there is a sharp decline in the production of female hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen. The aim of this study was to discuss the benefits of exercise and dietary supplements during menopause. This study was a systematic review of ten articles. Results showed that: - both strength and aerobic training, as well as supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, increase bone mineral density. - combined strength and resistance training provide cardiovascular benefits, increase strength and muscle mass, and reduce the risk of sarcopenia. - physical exercise has a synergistic effect with some supplements, enhancing their effectiveness. Authors concluded that physical exercise can help combat many of the symptoms associated with menopause, providing benefits for a more vital menopause and a more vital old age.

Abstract

UNLABELLED

With the aging of the population in developed countries, the number of middle-aged and older women is progressively increasing. During this stage, women suffer from a number of signs and symptoms that could be reduced or treated with physical exercise and dietary supplements. The main objective of this study was to analyse the benefits of exercise and dietary supplements during menopause.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 protocol, searching the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and WOS databases. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro or AMSTAR-2 scales.

RESULTS

The searches yielded a total of 104 results, of which 10 were selected, with methodological quality ranging from fair to excellent. Each article examined the combination of a dietary supplement plan versus a placebo; plus an exercise routine versus another routine or a sedentary lifestyle. The results showed the benefits of combining a nutritional supplementation plan with an exercise routine during menopause.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of weekly strength and endurance exercises, together with the consumption of certain dietary supplements, may be a good resource for coping with menopause in a healthy way.

Address: Research Group CTS-1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 18014 Granada, Spain.; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.; Department of Nursing, Military School of Health, 28047 Madrid, Spain.; Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014 Granada, Spain.; Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain.; Área Sanitaria Santiago de Compostela-Barbanza, Subdirección de Humanización y Atención a la Ciudadanía, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.; San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, Spain.

DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237271