A meadow flower rich in isoflavones.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support women through the menopause.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is the pink-purple meadow flower you will spot in British fields and verges through the summer. It belongs to the pea family and has long been grown as fodder for livestock, while its flower heads have a place in traditional herbal teas.
What interests supplement makers is its isoflavones, plant compounds with a structure similar to oestrogen. The main ones are biochanin A, formononetin, genistein and daidzein. On a label you will usually see red clover extract, often with the isoflavone content stated in milligrams, either on its own or blended with soy isoflavones, sage or black cohosh.
Red clover is traditionally used to support women through the menopause. Researchers have studied red clover extracts in a range of trials looking at hot flushes, cholesterol and bone density in women after the menopause. The results have been inconsistent so far, and some studies were small or not high in quality, so it is fair to say the research is still developing.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomised controlled trials in women aged 40–65, using 37–160 mg isoflavones a day for 12 weeks to 12 months. Hot flush frequency fell versus placebo, a small-to-moderate effect.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 randomised controlled trials (10 comparisons). Red clover cut daily hot flushes by 1.73 on average versus placebo, with clearer effects at 80 mg isoflavones a day or more over 12 weeks.
Randomised placebo-controlled trial in 75 postmenopausal women with raised blood lipids taking 40 mg red clover isoflavones twice daily or placebo for 6 months. Menopause Rating Scale scores and cholesterol improved significantly in favour of red clover.
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Red clover is traditionally used to support women through the menopause. It contains isoflavones, plant compounds similar in shape to oestrogen. Trials looking at hot flushes have produced mixed results, so researchers have not reached a firm conclusion.
It varies by product, so check the label for the isoflavone figure. EFSA used intakes of up to 43.5 mg of red clover isoflavones a day, for up to 3 months, as a guide for post-menopausal women when it reviewed their safety.
Not quite. Both supply isoflavones, but the mix is different. Red clover is richer in biochanin A and formononetin, while soy mainly provides genistein and daidzein. Some supplements combine the two.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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