Authors
Benton D. Haller J. Fordy J.
Institution
Department of Psychology, University College Swansea, UK.
Title
Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood.
Source
Neuropsychobiology. 32(2):98-105, 1995.
Abstract
The possibility that the taking of vitamin supplements may influence mood was
explored. One hundred and twenty-nine young healthy adults took either 10
times the recommended daily dose of 9 vitamins, or a
placebo, under a double-blind procedure, for a year. Males taking the
vitamins differed from those taking the placebo in that they
reported themselves as feeling more 'agreeable' after 12 months. After 12
months the mood of females taking the vitamin supplement was significantly
improved in that they felt more 'agreeable', more composed and reported
better mental health. These changes in mood after a year occurred even though
the blood status of 9 vitamins reached a plateau after 3
months: this improvement in mood was associated in particular with improved
riboflavin and pyridoxine status. In females baseline thiamin status was
associated with poor mood and an improvement in thiamin status after 3 months
was associated with improved mood.