Bs Boost Men's Mood, Thinking

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, EnglandAugmenting levels of vitamins and minerals via supplementation may enhance cognitive performance in health adults, according to a new study (Psychopharmarcol. ePub 08 May 2010; DOI:10.1007/s00213-010-1870-3). In the trial, researchers from Northumbria University assessed the mood and cognitive effects of a high-dose B complex vitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca®, from Bayer Consumer Care) in healthy adult men (n=215) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, parallel study.

Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) tests prior to and on the last day of a 33-day treatment period; cognitive performance and mood were assessed using a 60-minute cognitive demand battery. The men also completed the Stroop task for 40 minutes on the final day while engaged in inclined treadmill walking.

At the end of the trial, subjects taking the combination dietary supplement had significant improvements in the PSS and GHQ-12 ratings, and the vigor subscale of POMS. Men taking the supplement also performed better on the Serial 3s substractions task and rated themselves less mentally tired before and after completing the cognitive demand tests.