Confiance

[Questions & Answers]

I have read that your product Confiance my be helpful for women going through menopause. Can you explain how this may be the case?

The key ingredients in Confiance are magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E and boron. It would appear that magnesium and vitamin B6 have a special relationship. One study showed that by simply taking vitamin B6 on its own, red blood cell and plasma magnesium levels were increased.

Magnesium and boron play an important part in calcium metabolism, whilst magnesium is also required for numerous body processes including nerve function and energy production.

Studies indicate that vitamin E may have a part to play in the relief of hot flushes, whilst vitamin B6 is important for hormonal balance. The mineral boron also has been shown to be required for the conversion of oestrogen into its active form.

Anyone interested in a natural approach to the menopause can contact the Natural Menopause Advice Service (NMAS) sponsored by an educational grant from Wassen International Ltd (www.nmas.org.uk).

I am not menopausal yet, can I still take the product?

It is perfectly safe to take Confiance by those approaching menopause. This product is a vitamin and mineral supplement, which does not have any hormonal activity by itself but provides nutrients for hormonal balance.

I am taking HRT. Can I still take Confiance?

Some studies indicate that the body's requirement for nutrients such as vitamin B6 are increased when taking hormone preparations.

There is no reason why Confiance could not be taken at the same time as HRT. However, we always recommend that those on any form of prescription medication let their doctor know what they are taking.

Confiance may be taken by those who either do not wish to or cannot take HRT. As Confiance is purely a vitamin and mineral preparation it should in theory be suitable to be combined with herbal preparations or phytooestrogens, although we cannot comment as to any synergistic interaction.

How long will I need to take Confiance before I know this product will be of benefit to me?

It can take 4 - 8 weeks before a difference is noted with taken Confiance.

Can I take Confiance with calcium?

Confiance can safely be combined with calcium provided safety limits for the active ingredients of both products are not exceeded, as calcium supplements often provide additional magnesium and other co-factors.

As minerals tend to compete for absorption if may be best to take the calcium supplement at a different time than Confiance. As the body does a lot of repair and re-building at night it is recommended that calcium is taken in the evening preferably with a meal.

I have taken Confiance during my menopause, but now am post-menopausal. Can I still take Confiance?

Confiance can be taken during menopause and beyond.

I have noticed that Confiance provides 2500 times the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin B6. Is this not too much?

Vitamin B6 belongs to the B-vitamin group, which are water soluble and tend to be safe even if taken many times the RDA. There was a controversy a few years ago concerning the intake of high doses of vitamin B6. It would appear though that provided the daily consumption of vitamin B6 does not exceed 100 mg it should be safe. One advantage of Confiance is that it provides vitamin B6 with other nutrients needed for the metabolism of this vitamin.

Daily intake levels of 500 mg or more of vitamin B6 may lead to neuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves. The first symptoms of this are numbness and pins and needles in the fingers and toes. Provided vitamin B6 supplementation is discontinued at the first onset of the symptoms this condition is completely reversible.

We always recommend that those who experience unusual symptoms when taking our products to discontinue taking them and to consult their doctor to rule out any other cause of their symptoms.

Can I take Confiance with a vitamin and mineral supplement?

If you are taking other food supplements please ensure that the daily maximum safety limit for the active ingredients of the products are not exceeded.

Click here to view advice on upper safe levels for supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

When is the best time to take Confiance?

We recommend that Confiance is taken with food either with breakfast or at lunchtime. The B-vitamins may have a stimulating effect as they are involved in energy production and in sensitive individuals may affect sleep.

Are there any side-effects with Confiance?

This product is usually very well tolerated. As with any food, there is always a possibilty that individuals may have a sensitivity to one or more ingredients contained in the product. We always recommend that in the event of any unusual symptoms being noted upon taking our products they should be discontinued and if necessary a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

The B-vitamins may have a stimulating effect, which may affect sleep, so it is best to take the product morning or lunch time. Vitamin B2 can cause urine to go bright yellow, which is a completely harmless reaction.

I am allergic to gluten, can I take Confiance?

Confiance is completely gluten-free and is suitable for coeliacs.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Confiance?

Confiance is completely free from ingredients sourced from dairy milk products.

Which are good food sources of magnesium , vitamin B6 and boron?

Magnesium: Millet, whole grains, nuts, seeds, green vegetables

Vitamin B6: Cereal (muesli), bran, liver, pulses

Boron: Fruit and vegetables are a good source (boron content depends on soil levels where produce is grown)