Workplace demands have increased substantially over the years, combined with large rises in stress-related illnesses, work absenteeism, and insurance claims for stress-induced conditions. Studies have also found links between high levels of work stress and an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Could stress relief really come in a bottle? The answer is a qualified “yes,” according to a study in Human Psychopharmacology.
Taking supplements may help lessen work-related stress
B vitamins play a well-documented role in mood disorders, as they are essential for synthesizing mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and may help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Several B-vitamins also support heart health by helping to lower homocysteine levels, since elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease.
The study assessed the effects of a B-complex supplement on measures of work-related stress, personality, anxiety, and mood. For 12 weeks, 60 people were assigned to take either two tablets per day of a supplement containing a nutrient-herb blend, or a placebo. The supplement contained:
At the end of the supplementation period, personal strain levels improved 19% in people who had taken the supplement, whereas no change was noted in the placebo group. The supplement group also indicated decreases in feelings of depression/dejection, anger/hostility, and tension/anxiety, as well as less fatigue and confusion.
“Given the cost of workplace stress claims, the loss of productivity, and the personal cost, an analysis of the economic impact of B-vitamin supplementation in the workplace should be assessed,” said lead study author, Con Stough of the Center for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
Since the B-complex used in this study contained other ingredients, this study cannot tell us which constituents caused the beneficial effects, or whether this particular combination carries some specific effect. Future studies should focus on isolating the effects of these ingredients on stress relief.
While taking supplements may help lessen work-related stress, work in some of these other options to keep your stress levels in check and get the most from the naturally occurring B vitamins in your diet:
(Hum Psychopharmocol Clin Exp 2011;doi:10.1002/hup.1229)