Mental Balance Study
Mental Health Wellness 1, Work Related Stress
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Mental Health Wellness 1
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 18-75 Exclusion Criteria: • If participant scores less 12, or less, on the Perceived Stress Scale Have any pre-existing medical condition/illness which will impact taking part in the study * NOTE: the explicit exceptions to this are controlled hyper/hypothyroidism, hay fever, high cholesterol and reflux-related conditions Are currently taking prescription medications *NOTE: the explicit exceptions to this are contraceptive treatments for female participants, thyroid medications, topical skin treatments and those medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol and reflux-related conditions; and those taken 'as needed' in the treatment of asthma and hay fever Have high blood pressure (systolic over 159 mm Hg or diastolic over 99 mm Hg). NOTE: that we must measure this in the lab using our blood pressure monitors and can only use our measurements to assess eligibility rather than home or GP readings Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) outside of the range 18.5-35 kg/m2 Are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant or lactating Have learning and/or behavioural difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses (including colour-blindness) Smoke tobacco or vape nicotine or use nicotine replacement products (if you have recently quit smoking or using replacements you must have stopped using them altogether for a period of 3 months before participating in this study) Have excessive caffeine intake (>500 mg per day). Note: This will be calculated at screening but feel free to query this with the researcher prior to attendance Have relevant food allergies/ intolerances/ sensitivities (Please discuss with researcher prior to attendance if you are unsure of relevance) Have taken antibiotics within the past 4 weeks Have taken dietary supplements e.g. vitamins, omega 3 fish oils etc. in the last 4 weeks (Note: participation is possible following a 4-week supplement washout prior to participating and for the duration of the study on the proviso that the supplements are taken are out of choice and are not medically prescribed or advised). Existing and consistent use of vitamin D supplements and protein shakes are permitted Have any health condition that would prevent fulfilment of the study requirements (this includes non-diagnosed conditions for which no medication may be taken) Are unable to complete all of the study assessments Are currently participating in other clinical or nutrition intervention studies, or have in the past 4 weeks Have been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug abuse in the last 12 months Have been diagnosed with/ undergoing treatment for a psychiatric disorder in the last 12 months, including a medical diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Suffers from frequent migraines that require medication (more than or equal to 1 per month) Have oral disease Have any known active infections Does not have a bank account (required for payment) Are non-compliant with regards treatment consumption
Sites / Locations
- Northumbria University
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Re-Focus Tablets "Verum"
Re-Focus Tablets "Placebo"
The active intervention contains Scutellaria baicalensis (400 mg) and Crataegus (40 mg) and is in the form of a chewable tablet with a blood-orange flavour
The placebo will be a matched control