Short-term effects of a maqui-based nutraceutical on heart rate variability, psycho-physical resilience and on a few metabolic biomarkers: a randomized controlled study

Attilio Cavezzi; Roberto Colucci; Luca Bastiani

doi:10.1515/jcim-2022-0292

Article

Short-term effects of a maqui-based nutraceutical on heart rate variability, psycho-physical resilience and on a few metabolic biomarkers: a randomized controlled study

Attilio Cavezzi , Roberto Colucci and Luca Bastiani

Published/Copyright: November 24, 2022

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From the journal Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Volume 20 Issue 2

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the immediate/short-term outcomes of a maqui berry-based nutraceutical (MBN) supplementation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), resilience level, metabolism and body composition.

Methods

A randomized controlled single-blind study was performed on healthy subjects. Throughout 30 days, one group took 1,000 mg/day of an MBN (Maqui 500^®), the control group had no supplementation. On day 0 (T0) and 30 (T3) all subjects performed blood tests, bioimpedance spectroscopy and questionnaires for resilience, perceived stress and short-form 12 (SF12). At T0, 75′ after T0 (T1), on day 7 and at T3 the subjects underwent biometric parameter measurement and heart rate variability (HRV) test to investigate psycho-physical resilience.

Results

Fifteen subjects per group were included; abnormal seasonal high temperatures altered individuals’ lifestyle and nutrition, influencing the trial’s outcomes. Biometric parameters, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and blood tests did not differ between T0 and T3 in both groups. In the MBN group the HRV analysis showed a significant increase of ANS coordination (p=0.05), parasympathetic activity at 75′, very low frequencies and total power at T3, whereas these parameters decreased in the control group. SF12 mental score improved in the maqui group (p=0.02); the questionnaire-based outcomes showed no further variations. In the control subjects bioimpedance showed an increase of resistance and fat mass, with decreased total body water and lean mass (p=n.s.).

Conclusions

The maqui-based nutraceutical improved HRV, namely ANS activation/coordination, and SF12 mental component. Blood tests and bioimpedance/biometric parameters mildly varied. The elapsed hot weather likely biased many investigated variables.

Keywords: HRV; maqui; metabolism; resilience; stress

Corresponding author: Attilio Cavezzi, Eurocenter Venalinfa, San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy, E-mail: info@cavezzi.it

Research funding: None declared.
Author contribution: A. Cavezzi and R. Colucci contributed to perform the study and elaborate the text of the manuscript. L. Bastiani contributed to the statistical analysis and the related text.
Competing interests: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Ethical approval: Not applicable.
Guarantor: Dr. A. Cavezzi.

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Received: 2022-08-01

Accepted: 2022-11-07

Published Online: 2022-11-24

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2022-0292

Keywords for this article

HRV; maqui; metabolism; resilience; stress