The effects of an oral multivitamin combination with calcium, magnesium, and zinc on psychological well-being in healthy young male volunteers: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Rationale: Vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with improved psychological status. Objective: The present study tested the effects of a multivitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca(R)) on psychological well-bein g. Methods: In a double-blind randomised-control trial, 80 healthy male vol unteers were assigned to either Berocca(R) or placebo. Questionnaires measu ring psychological state were completed and a blood sample taken to determi ne plasma zinc concentration on day I (pre-treatment) and again on day 28 ( post-treatment), following 28 days of treatments, which were administered a t a dosage of one tablet daily. At the end of the study, the acceptability of the treatment and participants' awareness of treatment condition were as sessed, as was habitual dietary behaviour. Results: Relative to placebo, tr eatment with Berocca(R) was associated with consistent and statistically si gnificant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Participants in the B erocca(R) group also tended to rate themselves as less tired and better abl e to concentrate following treatment. In addition, participants registered more somatic symptoms following placebo than following Berocca(R). These ef fects cannot be attributed to differences in the acceptability of the two t reatments or to participants guessing what treatment they received. Conclus ion. These findings demonstrate that Berocca(R) significantly reduces anxie ty and perceived stress.