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reference
Kennedy D, Veasey R, Watson A, et al. Effects of a high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on the subjective mood and performance of healthy menPsychopharmacology.2010;211:55-68.
design
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study
Participant
215 healthy male volunteers aged 30–55 years were recruited. 210 completed the study (placebo group = 107, multivitamin/mineral group = 103).
intervention
1 tablet daily of a multivitamin/mineral (Berocca®). Each tablet contained: B1 (15 mg), B2 (15 mg), B6 (10 mg), B12 (10 mcg), vitamin C (500 mg), biotin (150 mcg), folic acid (400 mcg), nicotinamide (50 mg), pantothenic acid (23 mg), calcium (100 mg), magnesium (100 mg) and Zinc (10 mg).
Primary outcome measures
Cognitive assessment was performed 1 day before and 1 day after 33 days of intervention or placebo. A mood profile (POMS), perceived stress scale (PSS), and the General Health Questionaire-12 (GHQ-12) were used. A 60-minute cognitive demands battery was also administered at baseline and at study completion.
Key findings
The intervention group recorded significant improvements in the PSS, GHQ-12, and the Strength subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Additionally, the intervention group performed better on the serial 3 subtraction test and reported being less “mentally tired” at the end of the study both before and after the cognitive test.
Clinical implications
The use of vitamin/mineral supplements among healthy adults is growing in popularity. Whether this is beneficial in populations thought to be nutrient rich and free of pathology is unknown. Although this study is small, it suggests that cognitive and mood improvements can be seen as early as one month after starting B complex supplementation with vitamin C and calcium/magnesium/zinc.
As with any nutrient intervention study, the question of nutrient deficiencies in participants must be asked prior to the intervention. This Swiss study is notable for recruiting healthy, full-time working men, a population believed to be adequately nourished. Although adequate nutritional status was assumed, serum measurements were not performed. Fruit and vegetable consumption averaged 3.71 servings in the intervention group. In a 2005 U.S. survey of fruit and vegetable consumption, only 27.2% of adults ate three or more servings of vegetables per day.1The significant improvement in cognitive ability and mood from the supplemental intervention in this study suggests that participants were suboptimally consuming one or more of the nutrients contained in the supplement. Because the intake of these participants is higher than that of the majority of Americans, it is reasonable to assume that our otherwise “healthy” patients may also have suboptimal levels.
This is not the first study to show mood improvement with the B complex/vitamin C/mineral formula. Schlebusch et al. showed that after 28 days of supplementation, anxiety decreased significantly and well-being improved.2In another 28-day experiment, Carroll et al. found that nutritional supplementation resulted in improved GHQ levels and reduced perception of stress as measured by the PSS scale.3In a study examining 12 months of supplementation, Benton et al. showed that there was a significant improvement in mood in women.4
These results are not surprising for the naturopath. B-Complex is a fundamental supplement in most protocols for our patients who are feeling “severely stressed.” In fact, B vitamins' reputation for helping manage stress is also well established among the public, as evidenced by product names like "Stress B Complex." But to what extent is supplementing with B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc a good idea for otherwise healthy adults?
What is clear is that the risk of supplementing these nutrients is negligible, but carries significant potential benefits.
The answer to this question is unclear. What is clear is that the risk of supplementing these nutrients is negligible, but carries significant potential benefits. While it is often claimed that a nutrient-dense diet should provide all the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal function, this study suggests otherwise. There is little debate that it is advisable for everyone to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables in order to get enough nutrients in their diet. This study, together with the others that confirm it, could be an impetus for us to confirm this assumption of sufficient intake with a small nutritional supplement.