The relationship between health related quality of life and dietary supplementation in british middle managers: A double blind placebo controlled study

Abstract

In order to examine the influence of dietary supplements on health related quality of life (QOL), a double blind controlled trial was carried out with 95 middle managers. After an eight week trial, those taking dietary supplements, in comparison to participants in the placebo condition, showed more significant improvements in vigour-activity on the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and on the overall strain sub-scales of the Multi-modal Stress questionnaire (MMSQ). For those on a relatively poor diet only, there was a significant difference between those taking dietary supplements and those in the placebo condition on the sub-scales of tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, vigour-activity, confusion-bewilderment and on overall mood on the POMS. There was also a more significant improvement on the sub-scales of physical strain, behavioural strain, cognitive strain and on overall strain on the Multi-Modal stress questionnaire. It is concluded that for those on a relatively poor diet, dietary supplements may improve health related quality of life.

Key Words:

• Quality of life
• Stress
• Mood
• Dietary supplements
• Middle managers.