Mononucleosis-related fatigue: supplementary management with Robuvit®

Minerva Pediatr. 2018 Oct;70(5):425-429. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4946.18.05213-1.

Abstract

Background: Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common disease of adolescents and young adults, characterized by a specific triad of symptoms represented by fever, sore throat and lymphadenopathy. IM may also affect older adults, with different, more intense signs and symptoms such as fatigue, general malaise, and diffuse body pain. The aim of this four-week-registry study was to evaluate the effects of Robuvit® supplementation on the main consequences of mononucleosis, particularly fatigue, in otherwise healthy adults.

Methods: All patients enrolled in this registry study experienced an episode of IM characterized by fatigue, a general feeling of unwellness, diffuse body and muscular pain, leukocytosis, and high levels of oxidative stress, at least 2 to 4 weeks prior to inclusion. Fever had already resolved at inclusion. All included patients were positively tested for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Subjects were divided in two groups: those receiving the standard management (SM, N.=26; vitamin B, C, and D, balanced healthy diet, regular sleeping schedule, physical activity, 2 mg copper), and those treated with SM plus Robuvit® (N.=24) supplementation (300 mg/day).

Results: Supplementation with Robuvit® was safe, overall tolerability was good, and no side effects were reported. All patients completed the four-week treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment, a significant reduction in the rate of symptoms was evident in the Robuvit® group compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Supplementation with Robuvit® is safe, well tolerated, and effective in controlling oxidative stress levels and improving fatigue and other symptoms related to IM episodes during the convalescence period.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Fatigue / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins / administration & dosage*
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / physiopathology
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / therapy*
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Registries
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hydrolyzable Tannins
  • Plant Extracts
  • Robuvit