Effects of antioxidant supplement on immune health and physical wellbeing: A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Maintaining a healthy immune system came to the forefront of people’s minds as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was introduced. Antioxidants contained in dark berries have been shown to support the physical wellbeing of otherwise healthy adults. Adding a supplement rich in dark berries and citrus essential oils contributes antioxidants to the body and serves as an aid to reduce free radicals. AIM: We evaluated the effects of an antioxidant rich supplement on immune health and overall physical wellbeing compared to a control group. METHOD: Participants were otherwise healthy adults, aged 18–60 years old, and were placed in either the antioxidant supplement group or control group using adaptive randomization. Data was collected at day 1 and 60. The Physical Health Questionnaire was used to measure the primary outcomes of this study. The immune health was reflected through the Jackson Symptom Scale. RESULTS: 155 participants were analyzed. Participants who consumed the antioxidant beverage saw improvements to overall health which dramatically exceeded those of the control group. The sleep domain produced improvements which represented disturbances in sleep habits as they pertain to general health. Those in the supplement group who reported illness, had illnesses lasting 1–2 days while those in the control group had illnesses lasting from 1 to 9 days. CONCLUSION: Length of illness was shorter and sleep duration improved in the supplement group compared to the control group. Daily consumption of 60 ml of the antioxidant drink NingXia RedⓇ showed significant improvement after 60 days.