The Effect of 12-week Supplementation With Olive Leaf Extract in Postmenopausal Women (FEMMED)

Menopause is associated with abdominal adipose tissue accumulation and the loss of muscle mass which causes a decrease in muscle strength. Moreover, the decrease in estrogens associated with menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis. The supplementation of oleuropein, the most abundant polyphenol found in olive tree leaves, can be an effective strategy to ameliorate body composition, due to its potential to attenuate the aging-induced decrease in protein content in muscles, to enhance thermogenesis in adipose tissue and to increase serum osteocalcin, a bone turnover marker. The current study wants to investigate the effect of 12-week olive leaf extract supplementation on body composition and muscle strength, skin-aging and menopause-related quality of life in postmenopausal women (45-70 y).

Inclusion criteria

• Postmenopausal women (amenorrhea over 12 months)
• Age between 45-70 years
• Body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogenic or progestogenic) in the past 3 months before T1
• Allergy to test product/control or olive leaves/olive oil
• Use of antibiotics within 3 months prior T1
• Use of probiotics or supplements containing vitamins,minerals or antioxidants four weeks prior T1 (Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are permitted)
• Use of isoflavone-derived supplements four weeks prior T1
• Regular smoking (including use of e-cigarettes)
• Abuse of alcohol (alcohol consumption >20 units/week) and/or drugs
• Intention to take part in any weight loss program
• Underwent Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection treatment near the test sites within 2 years of baseline or plan to receive this treatment during the study
• Underwent Filler injection (collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc.) near the test sites within 2 years of baseline or plan to receive this treatment during the study
• Not willing to avoid over exposure to sun or tanning session (solarium) on the test area within 30 days prior to study start and for the duration of the study (exposure after application of sunscreen allowed)
• Willing not to change the routine use of facial cream/treatment during the study duration
• Treatment with an investigational drug (phase 1-3) 180 days before the start of the study
• Diagnosed with medical conditions that might interfere with endpoints or compromise participant safety during testing (e.g. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, skin diseases, cancer, Parkinson's disease, Gastrointestinal diseases or abdominal surgery interfering with gastrointestinal function) to be decided by the principal investigator
• Medication intake that might interfere with endpoints or compromise participant safety during testing (e.g. Glucose-Lowering Medications such as Metformin) to be decided by the principal investigator