There is evidence that there is a link between poor mood and a deficiency in various micronutrients. Multivitamin supplements contain a wide variety of nutrients, suggesting they may be effective in improving mood .
In a randomized, double-blind trial, fifty men, aged 50–69 years, took, for an 8-week period, a multivitamin formulation containing levels of vitamins (above the recommended daily intake), minerals, antioxidants, and herbal extracts, or a placebo. 1
After completing a series of mood and stress questionnaires at baseline and after taking the formulation, the results, compared to placebo, demonstrate that 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.
In conclusion, the trial demonstrates that supplementation with a multivitamin, mineral and herbal formulation can reduce negative mood symptoms and also improve the feeling of general daily well-being.
It is also worth noting that MJ women have noticed a beautiful change in this direction with the B complex in their life partners.
Let's look at the effects of B complex on stress, according to studies.
An article on WebMED stated that: “If you have low levels of B vitamins, research shows you may be at greater risk for depression and higher stress levels. Taking a B-complex supplement may help increase your blood levels to help you feel calmer and more content. However, it is unclear whether B vitamins have additional benefits for people with normal blood levels.” 1
B-Complex vitamins have many roles, including some that relate to the nervous system, for example:
- Thiamine contributes to the health of the nervous system.
- Pantothenic acid plays a role in the production of stress-related hormones.
- Pyridoxine plays an important role in brain development and function. It also contributes to the production of neurotransmitters and the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Cobalamin plays an important role in nerve cell health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to examine and quantify the effects of B vitamin supplementation on mood in healthy and at-risk populations. Eighteen articles (16 trials, 2,015 participants) were included, of which 12 were eligible for meta-analysis. Eleven of the 18 articles reported a positive effect of B vitamins compared with placebo on general mood or a mood facet. Of the eight studies in at-risk cohorts, five found a significant benefit on mood.
The review provides evidence of the beneficial effect of vitamin B supplementation in healthy populations and populations at risk of stress. Vitamin B supplementation may be particularly beneficial for populations at risk due to poor nutritional status or poor mood. 2
Another study demonstrated the effect of administering a high dose of vitamin B complex for 90 days had a beneficial effect on work stress. 3
References:
1. Schlebusch, L.; Bosch, BA; Polglase, G.; Kleinschmidt, I.; Pillay, B.J.; Cassimjee, MH A double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-center study of the effects of an oral multivitamin-mineral combination on stress. S. Afr. Med. J. 2000, 90, 1216–1223. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hup.1245
2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-b-complex
3. Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and 'At-Risk' Individuals. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 16;11(9):2232. doi:10.3390/nu11092232. PMID: 31527485; PMCID: PMC6770181. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6770181/pdf/nutrients-11-02232.pdf
4. Stough, C.; Scholey, A.; Lloyd, J.; Spong, J.; Myers, S.; Downey, LA The effect of 90-day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress. Psychopharmacology 2011, 26, 470–476. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hup.1229
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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