A case of the Mondays. TGIF. Hostile work environment. More and more often, we are developing phrases to encapsulate the amount of workplace stress Americans seem to be experiencing on an ever-increasing basis.

In fact, recent data shows that stress-related work claims are 50 percent higher than any other work-related claims.[1] Additionally, stress-related illnesses in the United States have increased by an astounding 560 percent over a six-year period.[2]

This is frightening when you consider that stress can manifest in:

Heart disease

Increased alcohol intake

Depression

Anxiety

High blood pressure

Depletion of key nutrients, namely vitamin B6

This last point is concerning given that B vitamins in particular have been shown to help reduce stress. Similarly, previous studies have shown that a basic multivitamin can help to improve performance on a multitasking stressor assignment while also improving mood.[3]

But can a multivitamin high in B vitamins specifically reduce workplace stress? According to Australian researchers, it can.[4]

B-Complex and Workplace Stress

Researchers set out to determine if a standard multivitamin high in vitamin B complex (Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula) could reduce workplace stress. Secondarily, they also tested to see if a slow-release formula worked better, worse, or similar to a “normal” supplement.

Sixty participants age 32 to 52 were randomly divided into three groups: Executive B Stress, normal release; Executive B Stress, slow-release; or placebo. All groups worked either full-time (75 percent) or part-time (25 percent) and were asked to take two tablets each day for 90 days.

Participants also completed four stress-related questionnaires, which, among other things, measured:

Occupation stress

Psychological strain and coping resources

Role overload

Role insufficiency

Role ambiguity

Role boundaries

Responsibilities

Physical environment

Interpersonal strain

Researchers administered the tests at baseline, 30 days, and study conclusion at 90 days. They found that there was no difference between the normal release and slow-release supplements. As such, researchers combined these two arms of the treatment and viewed them as a single treatment instead.

They found that, between 30 days and 90 days, there was a 19 percent improvement in personal strain in the supplement group. Similarly, the supplement group showed improvement in tension/anxiety, depression, anger/hostility, fatigue and confusion.

Given this, researchers concluded, “The results of this study are suggestive of significant decreases in the experience of workplace stress after 90-day supplementation of a B complex vitamin.”

‘B’ Calm at Work

Once again, the B vitamins prove that they can stand up against stress, regardless of the source. But, in this case, as the researchers note that the Bs may have had some help.

Turns out, the Blackmores formula also contained passionflower, which is regularly regarded as an effective stress-reducer in its own right.[5] Given this, one has to question if the combination of B vitamins and passionflower was responsible for the success of the study, versus just the B-complex.

Regardless, you can still take advantage of the learning here by upping your B vitamins — and maybe even add in some passionflower — to help alleviate workplace stress. The formula used in the study contained:

75 mg B1

10 mg B2

100 mg niacin

68 mg B5

25 mg B6

30 mcg B12

20 mcg bioti

150 mcg folic acid

100 mg passionflower

Take regularly and let the relaxation wash over you.