Effects of Acetic Acid Bacteria (<i>Gluconacetobacter hansenii</i> GK-1) on Fatigue Induced by Temporary Mental Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: This study assessed the effects of consuming acetic acid bacteria (Gluconacetobacter hansenii GK-1) for 12 weeks on fatigue induced by temporary mental stress. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study included 100 healthy male and female adults aged 20 - 64 years. Participants consumed either the G. hansenii GK-1 supplement (9 × 10⁹ cells/day) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The impact of temporary mental stress on fatigue in G. hansenii GK-1 was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the study began and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Results: Subjective fatigue measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) showed a significant decrease in fatigue induced by temporary mental stress after 12 weeks of consumption in the G. hansenii GK-1 group compared with the placebo group. No adverse events were attributed to G. hansenii GK-1. These findings confirm that continuous oral ingestion of G. hansenii GK-1 by healthy Japanese adults reduces feelings of fatigue caused by temporary mental stress.