Randomized Controlled Trial of Functional Date Bars Enriched With Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Grape Seed Extract on Stress and Salivary Cortisol in Healthy Young Women

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a functional date bar enriched with magnesium, vitamin C, and grape seed extract on stress levels and salivary cortisol in healthy young women aged 18 to 28 years. The study aims to understand how this multi-component nutritional intervention influences the body's stress response, as chronic psychological stress is linked to various mental and metabolic disorders. This trial compares the enriched bar to a placebo bar to assess changes in perceived stress and cortisol. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one consuming the functional date bar daily for 4 weeks, and the other receiving a placebo bar that looks and tastes the same but contains maltodextrin instead of the active ingredients. The functional bar includes 240 mg of magnesium, 300 mg of vitamin C, and 100 mg of grape seed extract per day. The study uses a triple-blind design to ensure unbiased results. During the trial, participants' salivary cortisol levels and perceived stress scores (using PSS-14) will be measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Other assessments include monitoring adherence to daily bar consumption and exclusion of factors that might influence cortisol or stress levels. The total participation duration is 4 weeks, with safety and outcome measures carefully recorded throughout the study.

Effect of Magnesium-, Vitamin C- and Grape Seed Extract-Enriched Date Bars on Perceived Stress and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Young Women