Vitamins and psychological functioning: a mobile phone assessment of the effects of a B vitamin complex, vitamin C and minerals on cognitive performance and subjective mood and energy.

OBJECTIVES

Despite being widely consumed, the effects of multi-vitamin supplements on psychological functioning have received little research attention.

METHODS

Using a mobile phone testing paradigm, 198 males (30-55 years) in full-time employment took part in this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-groups trial assessing the effects of a multi-vitamin/mineral on cognitive performance and psychological state/mood. Participants completed two cognitive tasks and a number of visual analogue scales (VAS) before and after a full day's work, on the day before, and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after, commencing their treatment.

RESULTS

Participants in the vitamin/mineral group rated themselves as having greater 'physical stamina' across assessments and weeks. They also rated themselves as having had greater 'concentration' and 'mental stamina' during the working day at the assessment carried out after a day's work, but not at the time of the assessment completed prior to work. Participants in this group also reported greater subjective 'alertness' on Bond-Lader mood scales during the post-work assessment on day 14 and both the pre and post-work assessments on day 28.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings complement the results from the laboratory-based, randomised-controlled trial in the same cohort and suggest that healthy members of the general population may benefit from augmented levels of vitamins/minerals via direct dietary supplementation.