Key Nutrients Support Work Stress Management

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Burnout, called an "occupational phenomenon" by WHO, is described as "resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."  

Healthcare providers can look for these symptoms when it comes to diagnosing burnout: Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job, reduced professional efficacy (feeling unsuccessful at your work or that your talents are being wasted) and increased mental and emotional distance from your work.

The mental, emotional and physical effects of work stress are well documented and include everything from GI distress to sleep concerns. Although many steps must be taken to conquer burnout, research shows there are some key nutrients that may also help your stressed out individuals.

A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients described how a combination of certain nutrients helped burned out workers cope better with their stress. In this study the key nutrients included:

• Taurine

• L-ornithine

• L-phenylalanine

• L-tyrosine

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin B1

• Vitamin B2

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B12

• Niacin

• Pantothenic acid

• Folic acid

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Molybdenum

In this study, all of the 59 participants aged 18 to 65 had equivalent self-reported perceived issues with stress and burnout. Prior to the study, all participants had elevated Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ30) scores. Before the study began, the total PSQ30 score in the supplement group was 0.674 ± 0.124 and it was 0.664 ± 0.116 in the placebo group. People taking dietary supplements or antidepressants prior to the study were excluded, as well as those with organic fatigue, phenylketonuria and chronic GI issues.

After a 7-day pre-randomized adaptation phase, participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or the supplement combination. They took the placebo or the supplements each morning for a 12-week period. At the end of the trial only the supplemented group had a total PSQ30 score that was lower than the inclusion criteria of less than 0.50 with a total reduction in the score of at least 0.25. In addition, at the end of the study the perception of overload, irritability, lack of joy, fatigue, and tension were improved in the supplemented group compared to placebo.

The researchers concluded, “Daily supplementation with a specific amino acid composition with micronutrients in participants with chronic perceived stress and exhaustion conditions resulted in more beneficial effects compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks.”

Workplace stress is a significant concern for many people. This study adds to the growing research demonstrating how various supplemental nutrients may help support stress adaptation.

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