There’s no such thing as a “happy pill.” (Oh, if only!) But is it possible that vitamin and mineral supplements may actually be linked to a positive mood?
The results of a recent meta-analysis may surprise you.
The findings, published in Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine came from the analysis of eight different clinical trials that assessed several areas of mental well-being, including stress levels, anxiety and fatigue for individuals who were taking either a vitamin and mineral supplement or a placebo. Although the levels of nutrients used in each study varied, the results showed a possible link between vitamin and mineral supplementation and positive mood.
- Stress: Individuals who took supplements enjoyed a 65 percent lower risk of perceived stress
- Anxiety: When compared to the placebo group, the supplement group had a 68 percent lower risk of experiencing anxiety
- Fatigue: A 73 percent decrease in feelings of fatigue were found for those who took supplements
Although these findings cannot draw a direct link between vitamin and mineral supplements and mood, there is hope that getting adequate levels of essential nutrients, whether through diet alone or diet and supplementation, may provide positive benefits to mood and overall well-being.
And that’s definitely something to smile about!