Objective
There is a demonstrated association between poor mood and deficiency in several micronutrients. Multivitamin supplements contain a wide range of nutrients, suggesting that they may be effective in improving mood; however, few studies have investigated this potential in randomized, controlled trials. This study investigates the effects of a multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement on mood and stress in a group of healthy, older male volunteers.
Methods
In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, fifty men, aged 50–69 years, supplemented for a period of 8 weeks with a multivitamin formulation that contained vitamins (at levels above recommended daily intakes), minerals, antioxidants, and herbal extracts, or a placebo. They completed a series of mood and stress questionnaires at baseline and post‐supplementation.
Results
Compared with placebo, there was a significant reduction in the overall score on a depression anxiety and stress scale and an improvement in alertness and general daily functioning in the multivitamin group.
Conclusions
Supplementation with a multivitamin, mineral and herbal formulation may be useful in improving alertness and reducing negative mood symptoms and may also improve feelings of general day‐to‐day well‐being. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.