Acute and chronic effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on objective and subjective energy measures

Immediate and residual effects of functional chewing gum on sustained attention and mood

Objectives: Chewing gum has been shown to improve aspects of cognition and mood with sustained attention being particularly receptive to the effects of chewing. Chewing gum may also be a useful vehicle for administering functional ingredients. The herbal extract Rhodiola rosea and certain B-vitamins have previously been shown to improve aspects of cognition and subjective state, but their combined effects have not been studied to date.Methods: The current randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study compared the effects of a functional gum containing Rhodiola rosea and B-vitamins to flavour-matched regular chewing gum and a flavour-matched placebo. Thirty-six healthy young participants completed measures of attention and mood at baseline, during chewing, and 1-h after chewing.Results: Chewing both functional and regular gum was shown to reduce errors on a digit vigilance task compared to placebo irrespective of whether measured during or after chewing. There were no benefits to adding functional ingredients to the gum.Discussion: Future chewing research should consider different formats of placebo. Sex differences in response to chewing and the impact of rate and intensity of chewing should also be explored.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05544500.

A real-world evidence study evaluating consumer experience of Supradyn Recharge or Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium during demanding periods

Background

Challenging periods and/or mild micronutrient deficiencies may result in a lack of energy and general fatigue, frequently occurring in the general population. Supradyn Recharge and Supradyn Magnesium and Potassium (Mg/K) are multimineral/vitamin supplements formulated to ensure adequate daily intake of micronutrients. We conducted an observational study addressing consumption behaviour, reasons for intake, frequency of intake, and consumer experiences, satisfaction and characteristics under real-life conditions.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study carried out with two computer-aided web quantitative interviews.

Results

A total of 606 respondents (almost equally split between men and women; median age 40 years) completed the questionnaires. The majority indicated having a family, a job and a good level of education; they stated to be long-time and daily users, reporting an average daily intake of 6 days a week. More than 90% of consumers claimed they were satisfied, would use the products again and recommend them; over two-thirds felt the value for money was good. Supradyn Recharge has been mainly used to support lifestyle change and mental resilience, seasonal changes, and post-illness recovery. Supradyn Mg/K has been used to sustain or regain energy levels during hot weather or physical activity and as a support against stress. Users claimed a positive impact on quality of life.

Conclusion

Overall, the perception of benefit by consumers was extremely positive as reflected in their consumption behaviour, the majority of whom stated to be long-time users and daily consumers, with an average daily intake of 6 days for both products. These data complement and add up to the results of Supradyn clinical trials.

Benefits of micronutrient supplementation on nutritional status, energy metabolism, and subjective wellbeing

The human body, particularly the brain, requires energy, stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate. Energy metabolism during cellular respiration is dependent on the presence of multiple micronutrients, which act as essential components, coenzymes, or precursors at every stage. An adequate supply of multiple micronutrients is vital for efficient energy production. However, micronutrient intakes below the recommended dietary allowance are common, even in industrialized countries. Intakes of vitamins A, D, E, folate, iron, zinc, and selenium are suboptimal across all age groups. Suboptimal micronutrient levels have been shown to contribute to low energy levels, physical and mental fatigue, and impaired cognitive performance and wellbeing - symptoms frequently present in the general population. When supplemented in combination in well-conducted trials, multiple micronutrients ± coenzyme Q10 reduced oxidative stress in chronic fatigue syndrome; in healthy people they increased cerebral blood-flow hemodynamic response, energy expenditure, and fat oxidation; reduced mental and physical fatigue; improved the speed and accuracy of cognitive function during demanding tasks; and reduced stress. The results from these clinical trials suggest that even in industrialized countries, where adults might be assumed to have a healthy, balanced diet, there is a rationale to supplement with multiple micronutrients, including coenzyme Q10, to improve nutritional status, support energy metabolism, and improve subjective wellbeing.

The impact of a high fat diet on bones: potential mechanisms

High-fat diet led to bone loss via gut microbiota and fatty acid imbalances, immune disorder and adipose tissue accumulation inside and outside the bone marrow.