“One-size-fits-all” doesn’t apply to supplements, and there are clear differences between women’s and men’s health needs. That’s why Protocol for Life Balance formulated a suite of supplements to address women’s unique requirements. Read on to learn about the science underlying these innovative health solutions.
—Dr. Ronald Hoffman
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A Gallup® poll published in 2024 showed that more than 60% of women in the United States are finding it tough to make their own health a top priority, the majority citing feeling overwhelmed, their mental health, caring for others and work as being the main obstacles for addressing their health issues. Women with children under the age of 18 struggle more to prioritize health.1
Because dietary supplements are easily accessible, they are the perfect tool for busy women to enhance their health without much effort. There are many dietary supplements and health products available for women, and this article cannot cover them all. We will therefore focus on three products: Myo-Inositol, Progesterone Cream, and D-Mannose.
Myo-inositol (MI) is a component of all cell membranes and plays an important role in fat production and cell growth.* It is also important for fertilization, cell proliferation, and cellular development, as well as in neural activity.* MI has been extensively studied for its role in supporting women’s health.* It has also been studied for its role in mental health, including for mood, most notably for helping to maintain a positive outlook on life and for relaxation. In addition, it may be helpful in the support of normal cognitive function.*2
MI has also been extensively studied in women before and after menopause for the maintenance of a healthy insulin and glucose metabolism, as well as normal hormonal balance and healthy ovarian function.*3-5 MI is also a dietary supplement used to support fertility.*6 In clinical studies, the suggested MI doses range from 4 to 12 grams daily, which is impossible to achieve with food alone, as most diets provides less than 2 grams per day.7
Progesterone cream is a popular product that is used by pre- and post-menopausal women alike. It is used for many conditions but is especially helpful to maintain the appearance of a youthful skin.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 40 healthy women between the ages of 45 and 60, the application of a cream containing 2% progesterone for 16 weeks resulted in an increase in skin firmness, a reduction in wrinkle depth, and an increase in skin elasticity.8
D-mannose is a simple sugar, naturally found in various plants, and fruits, berries, including in cranberries. It is also known to be produced in the body from glucose for the synthesis of glycoproteins.9 Due to the fact that in food D-mannose is often carried in indigestible polysaccharides, dietary mannose is not considered to be a significant source in a typical diet. Free mannose is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion — the absorption rate being 10% of that of glucose. It is absorbed mainly by passive diffusion across the intestinal barrier. Once in the bloodstream, 20 to 35% of mannose enters the urine within 60 minutes. Pre-clinical and clinical data show that mannose supports healthy bladder and urinary tract lining.* Mannose may be especially beneficial when taken on a regular basis rather than when urinary challenges occur.9,10
Protocol For Life Balance®, a brand of affordable premium dietary supplements, offers a wide range of dietary supplements and health supporting products specifically targeting women’s health, including Myo-inositol, Progesterone Cream and D-Mannose.* Since the suggested daily usage for myo-inositol can reach 12 grams per day, Protocol For Life Balance® Myo-Inositol is available in a pure powder form in a one pound container that will last for more than a month. Progesterone Cream is available unscented or with a natural lavender scent, it is a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly in the skin, each pump provides 20 mg of bio-identical USP progesterone derived from wild yam. The cream has no artificial colors, artificial fragrances or parabens. Protocol For Life Balance® also has two D-Mannose products, one in a powder form that can be easily mixed in water or unsweetened juice, preferably cranberry, or in 500 mg vegetable capsules. In addition to these products, Protocol For Life Balance® offers other women’s supplements that can further enhance the efficacy of D-Mannose, such as probiotics, including Protodophilus™ Woman, 20 billion CFU. The brand also carries women’s-specific multivitamin products, including a supplement dedicated for pre-natal care. Consulting a healthcare professional for a customized health supporting supplementation regimen is recommended.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
1. https://news.gallup.com/poll/646529/majority-women-struggle-prioritize-health.aspx.
2. Colodny L, Hoffman R. Alternative Medicine Review. 1998;3:432-447.
3. Costantino D, Minozzi G, Minozzi E, Guaraldi C. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009;13(2):105-110.
4. Genazzani AD, Lanzoni C, Ricchieri F, Jasonni VM. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2008;24(3):139-144.
5. Giordano D, Corrado F, Santamaria A, et al. Menopause. 2011;18(1):102.
6. Etrusco A, Laganà AS, Chiantera V, Buzzaccarini G, Unfer V. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2024;35(1):74-83.
7. Clements RS, Darnell B. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1980;33(9):1954-1967.
8. Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt B. British Journal of Dermatology. 2005;153(3):626-634.
9. Ala-Jaakkola R, Laitila A, Ouwehand AC, Lehtoranta L. Nutrition journal. 2022;21(1):18.
10. Altarac S, Papeš D. BJU international. 2014;113(1):9-10.
