The effect of multivitamin supplementation on mood and stress in healthy older men

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 (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.