Reducing occupational stress with a B-vitamin focussed intervention: a randomized clinical trial: study protocol

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Neuroscience
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Workplace stress is a growing concern in Western countries, leading to increased health issues and economic costs.
• Effective and accessible interventions are needed to mitigate occupational stress and burnout.
• Supplementation with B group vitamins is emerging as a potential nutritional intervention for stress management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of B group vitamins on workplace stress and mood in stressed, full-time employed older adults.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of B vitamin action on stress and mood through cognitive, biological, and neuroimaging assessments.
• To investigate the impact of B vitamin supplementation on cardiovascular health and inflammation markers.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 200 participants.
• Participants received either a B vitamin supplement (Blackmores® Executive B Stress Formula) or a placebo daily.
• Assessments included workplace stress, mood, cognitive function, cardiovascular measures, biochemical markers, genetic factors, and neuroimaging (fMRI, MRS) in a subset.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to investigate the primary outcome of reduced work-related stress.
• Secondary outcomes will explore changes in mood, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
• Neuroimaging will provide insights into the in vivo mechanisms of B vitamin action.

Conclusions:

• B vitamin supplementation presents a promising, cost-effective strategy for managing workplace stress.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms of B vitamins in stress reduction.
• This intervention could contribute to improved employee well-being and productivity.