The effect of a combination of magnesium, vitamins B6, B9, B12, rhodiola and green tea/L-theanine (Mg-Teadiola) on stress was evaluated in chronically stressed, otherwise healthy individuals. Effects on stress-related quality-of-life parameters (sleep and perception of pain) were also explored. Adults with stress for ≥1 month, scoring ≥14 points on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-42 questionnaire, were randomized (1:1) to receive oral Mg-Teadiola (n = 49) or a placebo (n = 51), for 28 days, with a follow-up assessment on Day 56 (NCT04391452). The primary endpoint was the change in the DASS-42 stress score from baseline to Day 28 with Mg-Teadiola versus placebo. The DASS-42 stress scores significantly decreased from baseline to Day 28 with Mg-Teadiola versus placebo (effect size, 0.29; 95% CI [0.01, 0.57]; p = 0.04). Similar reductions were observed on Day 14 (p = 0.006) and Day 56 (p = 0.02). A significant reduction in sensitivity to cold pain (p = 0.01) and a trend for lower sensitivity to warm pain was observed (p = 0.06) on Day 28. Improvements in daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-7 component score) were reported on Day 28, and were significant on Day 56 (p < 0.001). Mg-Teadiola is effective in managing stress in otherwise healthy individuals. Its beneficial effects on sleep and pain perception need further investigation.
Keywords: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42 questionnaire; L-theanine; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; chronic stress; green tea; magnesium; pain; randomized clinical trial; rhodiola; vitamins.