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Table 5 Differential positive and negative effects experienced by participants

From: Participant experiences from chronic administration of a multivitamin versus placebo on subjective health and wellbeing: a double-blind qualitative analysis of a randomised controlled trial

 

Full sample

Males

Females

Placebo

Multi

Placebo

Multi

Placebo

Multi

n = 59

n = 55

n = 28

n = 24

n =31

n = 31

Positive experience

50.8%

60.0%

64.3%

62.5%

38.7%

58.1%

Mental/Cognitive Domain

      

General Mental Benefit

8.5%

9.1%

7.1%

0.0%

9.7%

16.1%

Improved Concentration, Attention &/or Memory

8.5%

9.1%

10.7%

20.8%

6.5%

0.0%

Increased Calmness or Relaxation

20.3%

14.5%

21.4%

25.0%

19.4%

6.5%

Better Mood & Emotional State

8.5%

23.6% *

7.1%

16.7%

9.7%

29.0% #

Physical Domain

      

General Physical Benefit

8.5%

5.5%

14.3%

12.5%

3.2%

0.0%

Improved Sleep

5.1%

15.5% #

3.6%

8.3%

6.5%

19.4%

More Energetic &/or Alert

11.9%

29.1% **

17.9%

29.2%

6.5%

29.0% ***

Better Health &/or Immunity

6.8%

10.9%

10.7%

8.3%

3.2%

12.9%

Dermatological Benefit

1.7%

0.0%

3.6%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Increased/Better Appetite

1.7%

1.8%

3.6%

4.2%

0.0%

0.0%

Negative experience

28.8%

30.9%

25.0%

25.0%

32.3%

35.5%

Mental/Cognitive Domain

      

Impaired Concentration/Attention

5.1%

3.6%

3.6%

4.2%

6.5%

3.2%

Stressed or Anxious

1.7%

3.6%

0.0%

0.0%

3.2%

6.5%

More Moody and Emotional

1.7%

5.5%

3.6%

0.0%

0.0%

9.7%

Physical Domain

      

Impaired Sleep

1.7%

1.8%

3.6%

0.0%

0.0%

3.2%

More Fatigued &/or Drowsy

6.8%

5.5%

7.1%

8.3%

6.5%

3.2%

Poorer Health &/or Immunity

1.7%

1.8%

3.6%

0.0%

0.0%

3.2%

Upper Gastrointestinal complaint

1.7%

9.1%

0.0%

8.3%

3.2%

9.7%

Indigestion or Nausea

1.7%

3.6%

0.0%

4.2%

3.2%

3.2%

Dermatological Complaint

1.7%

1.8%

0.0%

4.2%

3.2%

0.0%

Gynaecological Effect

0.0%

3.6%

-

-

0.0%

6.5%

Weight Gain

3.4%

1.8%

3.6%

0.0%

3.2%

3.2%

  1. 2 (1)= 4.921, p = 0.027; ** χ2 (1)= 5.245, p = 0.022; *** χ2 (1) = 5.415, p = 0.020 # p = 0.05-0.10 (trend).