A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Four-Arm Parallel Study Investigating the Effect of a Broad-Spectrum Wellness Beverage on Mood State in Healthy, Moderately Stressed Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a broad-spectrum wellness beverage (Zeal Wellness [ZW]) on standardized measures of mood states, including overall feelings of vitality, in healthy, moderately stressed adults. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 99 eligible participants prescreened for moderate stress. Participants were randomized to one of four groups and received ZW once daily (1-dose-ZW; 14 g), ZW twice daily (2-dose-ZW; 28 g), placebo once daily (1-dose-placebo), or placebo twice daily (2-dose-placebo) for 4 weeks. A stress/vitality questionnaire assessed stress and the Profile of Moods (POMS) Questionnaire assessed vigor via mental/physical energy and global mood state. Safety was assessed by clinical chemistry, liver, kidney function, and anthropometric measures and adverse event reporting. RESULTS: Participants receiving 2-dose-ZW reported a 6.6% decrease in scores on POMS-Total Mood Disturbance (TMD; p < 0.05) and a 6.8% decrease in the anger-hostility mood state (p < 0.022) compared to the combined placebo group at day 29. The 2-dose-ZW provided a 12.8% greater improvement in POMS-TMD scores when compared to participants receiving 1-dose-ZW after 28 days of supplementation (p = 0.014). Within groups, there was a 22.4% and a 9.6% decrease in POMS-TMD scores in participants with 2-dose-ZW and 1-dose-ZW, respectively. In addition, participants receiving 2-dose-ZW showed significant improvements (p = 0.001) in the POMS t-score iceberg profile, which represented a shift to a more healthy profile. CONCLUSION: These data show that daily supplementation with 2-dose-ZW significantly decreased POMS-TMD scores and anger-hostility mood state and shifted the POMS iceberg profile to a healthy profile compared to the combined placebo, reflecting the functional benefit of rice-bran-fruit-vegetable extracts based beverage on health.

Functional benefits of ergothioneine and fruit- and vegetable-derived nutraceuticals: overview of the supplemental issue contents.

For good reason, there is increasing interest in assessing the clinical efficacy of dietary supplements, naturally occurring compounds, and nutraceuticals intended for improving health and reducing disease. This is also a pressing interest in mitigating the effects of age-dependent chronic diseases. This opportunity argues for the need to develop a clear understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms responsible for the actions of dietary biofactors that can contribute to the slowing or preventing of diseases and the possibility of enhancing these improvements by coupling them with healthy lifestyle changes.

Improvement of joint range of motion (ROM) and reduction of chronic pain after consumption of an ergothioneine-containing nutritional supplement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of a nutraceutical blend containing L-ergothioneine in concert with other anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients, combined with nutritional cartilage support. METHODOLOGY: Twelve human subjects were tested over a 6-week period of product consumption followed by a 6-week wash-out period, conducted at NIS Labs during late fall/early winter 2010. Range of motion (ROM) assessment of joint motility was performed using JTECH dual digital inclinometry and included flexion, extension, and rotation through the vertical weight-bearing column (neck, thorax, lumbar, hip, knees) and shoulders. Pain evaluation included questionnaires and Visual Analogues Scales regarding primary and secondary pain complaints at rest and at use. RESULTS: ROM improvements were seen after 1 week, and further improved at 6 weeks (primary pain area P<0.2, secondary pain area P<0.03). Pain in primary and secondary areas at use was significantly reduced already at 1 week, compared to baseline (P<0.05). Pain reduction for both primary and secondary pain areas during use reached a high level of statistical significance at 6 weeks (P<0.004), and remained highly significant after the 6-week wash-out period. CONCLUSION: Pain reduction and improved ROM were observed during the 6-week consumption. Residual effects were seen 6 weeks after stopping consumption of the ergothioneine supplement.