A RANDOMISED TRIAL OF NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS TO MINIMISE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AFTER ROAD ACCIDENTS

Background and Aim: we attempted to replicate a randomized trial that showed that micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) consumption after the road accidents resulted in improved mental health.Methods: who were invited to participate in a study on the potential benefit of nutrient supplements following a road accident. Fifty-six adults aged 23–66 were randomized to receive a single nutrient (vitamin D, n=17), a few-nutrients formula (B-Complex, n=21), or a broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula (BSMV, n=18).Results: Self-reported changes in depression, anxiety and stress were monitored for six weeks. Although all groups showed substantial decreases on all measures, those consuming the B-Complex and the BSMV formulas showed significantly greater improvement in stress and anxiety compared with those consuming the single nutrient, with large effect sizes (Cohen s d range 0.76–1.08).Conclusion: There were no group differences between those consuming the B-Complex and BSMV. The use of nutrient formulas with multiple minerals and/or vitamins to minimise stress associated with road accident is now supported by three studies. Further research should be carried out to evaluate the potential population benefit that might accrue if such formulas were distributed as a post-road accident public health measure.