Supplementation with Robuvit® in subjects with burnout associated to high oxidative stress

This supplement registry study evaluated the effect of supplementation with Robuvit® on the burnout syndrome (BOS) of patients with significant fatigue and high oxidative stress. Robuvit® (French oak wood extract) is a standardized supplement, effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and convalescence.

A group of 108 subjects with BOS, consisting of a subgroup of 42 young surgeons in training and a subgroup of 66 managers, were studied. Subjects followed a standard management (SM); one half of the subjects received 300 mg/day of Robuvit® for 4 weeks in addition to SM.

Robuvit® was (P<0.05) more effective compared to SM in improving parameters evaluated with the aid of Maslach Burnout Inventory: dealing with patients problems, improving the relationship with patients, decreasing emotional drainage and intolerance (P<0.05). The feeling of a positive influence improved. The decrease in strain from interactions at work, the decrease in the lack of care feeling, the improved levels in interest were all positively affected with Robuvit (P<0.05) in comparison with SM. The need for giving up decreased, the level of satisfaction improved and the regrets for being in the profession decreased. BOS symptoms were positively affected by the supplement (P<0.05). Oxidative stress (388;24 Carr Units decreased to 344;22 with Robuvit®; P<0.05), SM had no influence on oxidative stress. Robuvit® was also more effective in professionals with burnout syndrome than the SM only in in decreasing emotional drainage, fatigue and intolerance (P<0.05). Robuvit® significantly improved the feeling of having a positive influence (P<0.05). Also, Robuvit® significantly decreased the strain resulting from interactions at work and improved the care for colleagues/customers (P<0.05). Interest and enthusiasm were significantly increased in subjects taking Robuvit® in comparison with controls with standard management alone (P<0.05). The mean score of the desire to give up was decreased with Robuvit® in comparison with SM (P<0.05) and job satisfaction was significantly improved (P<0.05). The feeling of regrets of being in the profession was significantly reduced with the supplement in comparison to SM (P<0.05). Robuvit® reduced oxidative stress (P<0.05) from 397;33 to 323;29 Carr Units in comparison with a low decrease with SM (from 396;19 vs. 378;27) at 4 weeks.

In conclusion, in this registry study on BOS, Robuvit® by controlling fatigue (the primary symptom) and oxidative stress, relieves the most important 'symptoms' associated with BOS. The effects are comparable in young surgeons not accustomed to stress, as well as in professionals in management positions who are used to control stress.