Wednesday Sep 3, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A recent survey suggests taking multivitamin and protein/amino acid supplements may help improve mood in military and Coast Guard personnel.

The survey showed users of multivitamin and protein supplements reported feeling significantly more awake, relaxed, cheerful, clearheaded and coordinated than those who did not use these supplements. The users of multivitamin and protein/amino acid supplements were more likely to report their health, dietary habits and fitness level as excellent or good.

In contrast, those who used protein supplements and steroid analogs reported feeling less friendly or more aggressive.

Authors of the report suggested that the association between taking multivitamin/protein/amino acid supplements may not be a causal relationship as there is no known biological mechanism to support such associations.

Multivitamin is the most popular dietary supplement in the United States. Multivitamin has been associated with reduced risk of some diseases in addition to helping maintain the normal physiology in humans.

Protein/amino acid supplements are poplar with not only body builders, but also older people who need sufficient protein/amino acids to maintain muscle strength and prevent fractures. As an older one ages, he loses 1% or so of muscle each year and fracture is more likely to occur to those who have weak muscle strength.  (David Liu, PHD)

Austin KG, McGraw SM, Lieberman HR. Multivitamin and Protein Supplement Use Is Associated With Positive Mood States and Health Behaviors in US Military and Coast Guard Personnel. Clin Psychopharmacol. 2014 Oct;34(5):595-601.