The science behind performance – Berocca®’s specific formula
The multi-vitamin supplement by Bayer has constantly improved to new scientific findings
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals cause different symptoms with negative
consequences for physiological and psychological well-being. Depending on the type of
micronutrient being deficient, different body functions are affected. Some can lead to
physical fatigue, others to a diminished immune defense. Deficiencies in water-soluble
vitamins can also cause psychological symptoms. Neurotropic vitamin and mineral
combinations help to support mental and physical performance. Berocca® has a specific
formula which combines the water-soluble vitamins of the B complex, vitamin C, as well as
the minerals calcium, magnesium, and zinc. All these vitamins and minerals are known to
be important players in cognitive function. The neurotropic vitamins, for example, are
involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones, synaptic breakdown of
neurotransmitters, energy metabolism of the brain, ion pumps of neural membranes, or
neuronal receptor binding.1
Insufficient intake of B vitamins, vitamin C, as well as calcium, magnesium, and zinc,
often results in reduced tolerance in stressful situations in everyday life. This can lead to
unspecific symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, agitation, and fatigue. To counteract
possible subclinical deficiencies, Berocca ® contains vitamins in doses beyond the
recommended daily allowance (RDA), as well as minerals at almost RDA level. The multivitamin supplement is available in two galenic forms: as an effervescent and as a film-
1
Haller J. The actions of vitamins and other nutrients on psychological parameters. In: Hindmarch I, Stonier
PD, eds. Human Psychopharmacology, vol 5. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd 1995;229-261.
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coated tablet. Being on the market for several decades, the Berocca ® formula was
constantly improved and adapted to new scientific findings.
The first version of Berocca® contained neither folic acid, nor magnesium or zinc. Today,
Berocca® contains all water-soluble vitamins, as well as calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
The formula does not contain any stimulants, artificial colorants or preservatives.
Currently, Berocca® is available in about 70 countries, for example, the USA or Spain.
Bayer Consumer Care has also developed another form of Berocca® which contains
natural guarana and a lower dose of vitamins and minerals, Berocca® Boost. Guarana is
known to improve alertness and counteract mental fatigue.2,3,4 The composition of
Berocca® Boost was specially developed to allow regular use over longer periods of time
and the quantitative composition of its micronutrients is based on European RDAs.
About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health
care, agriculture and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with
annual sales of EUR 18.9 billion (2013), is one of the world’s leading, innovative
companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen,
Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer
Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to
discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal
health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 56,000 employees (Dec
31, 2013) and is represented in more than 100 countries. More information is available at
www.healthcare.bayer.com.
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2
Kennedy DO et al. Psychoactive effects of a single dose Paullinia cupana (Guarana) during intense mental
demand. Poster presented at the Worldnutra Conference 2004. 2004: San Francisco.
3 Kennedy DO et al. Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana
(Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng. Pharmacol Biochem Behav
2004;79(3):401-411.
4 Haskell CF et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioural effects of
guarana in humans. J Psychopharmacol, 2007;21(1): 65-70.
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Contact:
Patrick Kaiser, Phone +41 58 272-7616
E-mail: [email protected]
September 2014
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer
Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to
material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company
and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on
the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking
statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
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