Daily Multivitamin Improves Alertness and Well-Being

Multivitamin supplements contain a wide range of nutrients, with a number of individual ingredients suggested to be effective in boosting mood and improving alertness. Andrew Pipingas, from Swinburne University (Australia), and colleagues enrolled 50 men, ages 50 to 69 years, in an eight-week long study. Each subject either received a multivitamin containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant extracts; or placebo. The team measured mood and stress using a standardized assessment scale. After eight weeks, among the participants receiving the vitamin supplement, a notable decrease in measures of depression, anxiety, and stress was observed. As well, among the vitamin supplemented group, significant improvement in alertness was reported by the subjects.  Observing an “improvement in … general daily functioning in the multivitamin group,” the study authors conclude that: “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.”