Recent research has indicated supplementation with pomegranate extract, as well as B and C vitamins, can potentially alleviate the symptoms of short-term fatigue (SF). Research has identified vitamin deficiency and chronic inflammation as potential causes of SF.
According to the authors of the study, SF is a non-pathological condition recognisable by the subject, consisting of persistent or repeated episodes of clinically unexplainable fatigue events. Duration of the fatigue period can reportedly range from 30 days to six months. If symptoms last longer than six months, the fatigue can be classified as chronic short-term fatigue, or CFS.
The researchers, working across several Italian universities and the R&D department of Essere Pharma, used an RP-UHPLC-HRMS method to determine the chemical composition of whole fruit pomegranate extract, discovering the presence of ellagitannins and gallotannins, as well as organic and phenolic acids.
The study recruited 78 subjects for one month to measure the efficacy and tolerability of the supplement, using questionnaires to assess participants’ levels of fatigue and any changes to quality of life. Throughout the testing period, consumers reported significant improvement in their fatigue symptoms, with no adverse effects.
The researchers concluded there is a growing case the symptoms of fatigue can be mitigated through nutritional intervention, and suggest daily intake of a food supplement based on pomegranate extract, B vitamins and vitamin C may facilitate significant improvements in both fatigue and overall quality of life.
Acknowledging the limitations of their methodology, the researchers say the preliminary results must be confirmed in a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, which assesses the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the composition of gut microbiota.