Evaluation of the Health Benefits of a Multivitamin, Multimineral, Herbal, Essential Oil-Infused Supplement: A Pilot Trial.

This study was designed to quantitatively evaluate the health benefits of a multivitamin, multimineral, herbal, essential oil-infused supplement using serum biomarkers. We also qualitatively evaluated the health effects of this supplement using a survey. Sixteen participants were recruited to take the supplement as directed for two months. The levels of the following serum components were measured in the participants: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, total/HDL cholesterol ratio, ferritin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, insulin, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, red blood cell magnesium, homocysteine, coenzyme Q10, lipid peroxides, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, cardiovascular index, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), arachidonic acid (AA), and the AA/EPA ratio. The following markers were significantly improved (p <.05) after two months of supplementation: HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, fasting insulin, homocysteine, serum vitamin E, EPA, and the AA/EPA ratio. These findings demonstrate that the supplementation had significant positive effects on biochemical indicators of cardiovascular health, antioxidant status, inflammation, and blood glucose regulation. All of the outcomes in the 16-item qualitative survey were improved after two months of supplementation. Twelve of these outcomes were significantly improved. The participants reported more mental clarity, energy, motivation, control, balance, and happiness, while reporting less back pain, muscle pain, cold and flu incidence, anxiety, frustration, and irritation at the end of the two-month supplementation period. Although definite clinical efficacy remains elusive, these results suggest that the supplement may provide a broad range of health benefits for users in a short period.