The effectiveness of essential fatty acid, B vitamin, Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation for managing stress in women: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to identify the effectiveness of essential fatty acids, B vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc, consumed as supplements to the daily diet, for managing stress in women. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants The systematic review will consider studies that include all women over the age of 18 years. Studies that include pregnant women will also be considered. Studies that have included both genders will be considered where it is possible to extract data for female participants. Women taking prescription medication for anxiety or depression will be excluded, as will hospitalized women or women suffering from eating disorders. Types of intervention(s) This review will consider studies that evaluate the effectiveness of supplementation with essential fatty acids, specifically Omega-3; B Vitamins, specifically vitamin B3, B5, B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12; Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc at any dose/frequency for managing stress or anxiety being experienced by women. Supplements delivered in any oral form, including capsules, tablets, caplets, chewables, powders and liquids, at any dosage and for a duration of 14 days or longer will be considered. The supplementation of these nutrients will be investigated, whether used individually or in any combination. This review will not consider interventions that have used a combination of herbal and essential fatty acids, B vitamin, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation, either alone with the herbal supplement, or in combination with the herbal supplement. Types of comparators Essential fatty acid, B vitamin, Vitamin C, magnesium TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS