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Shaken but unstirred Effects of micronutrients on stress and trauma after an earthquake RCT evidence comparing formulas and doses

Shaken but unstirred? Effects of Micronutrients on stress and trauma after an earthquake: RCT evidence comparing formulas and doses.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To compare two micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) formulas (Berocca™ and CNE™) and assess their impact on emotions and stress related to the 6.3 earthquake on February 22(nd) 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand. METHODS: 91 adults experiencing heightened anxiety or stress 2-3 months following the earthquake were randomized to Berocca™, CNE™ low dose (CNE4), or CNE™ high dose (CNE8), for 28 days and monitored weekly via on-line questionnaires and followed 1 month post-trial. A nonrandomized control group (n = 25) completed questionnaires at baseline and 4 weeks. RESULTS: All treatment groups experienced significant declines in psychological symptoms (p < .001). CNE™ groups experienced greater reduction in intrusive thoughts as compared with Berocca™ (p = .05), with no group differences on other measures of psychological symptoms. However, CNE8 group reported greater improvement in mood, anxiety, and energy (p < .05) with twice as many reporting being “much” to “very much” improved and five times more likely to continue taking CNE™ post-trial than Berocca™ group. Treated participants had better outcomes on most measures over 4 weeks as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports micronutrients as an inexpensive and practical treatment for acute stress following a natural disaster with a slight advantage to higher doses ACTRN 12611000460909.

Authors:

Rucklidge JJ, andridge R, Groman B, Blampied N, Gordon H, Boggis A:

Journal:

Hum Psychopharmacol 27 (5):440-454, 2012 22782571

 

 

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