Efficacy of Functional Foods, Beverages, and Supplements Claiming to Alleviate Air Travel Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Airline passengers experience a range of symptoms when travelling on long flights. This review evaluated the efficacy of functional foods, beverages, and supplements claiming to address the effects of air travel for healthy adults. Products were identified in a scoping review of electronic databases, search engines, and grey literature (March to August 2019). A systematic review of the efficacy of product ingredients was conducted using five electronic databases from inception to February 2021. Articles were screened, data extracted, and assessed for risk of bias by two researchers independently. Meta-analysis was performed. Of the 3842 studies identified, 23 met selection criteria: melatonin (n = 10), Pycnogenol (n = 4), various macronutrients (n = 2), caffeine (n = 2), Centella asiatica (n = 1), elderberry (n = 1), Echinacea (n = 1), fluid (n = 1), and Pinokinase (n = 1). Meta-analysis (random effects model) indicated melatonin reduced self-reported jetlag following eastbound (n = 5) and westbound (n = 4) flights: standard mean difference −0.76 (95% CI = −1.06 to −0.45, I2 0%, p < 0.00001) and −0.66 (95% CI = −1.07 to −0.26, I2 45%, p = 0.001), respectively. Pycnogenol also reduced edema scores (n = 3), standard mean −4.09 (95% CI = −6.44 to −1.74), I2 98%, p = 0.0006). Overall, 12 of 183 ingredients contained in 199 products had evidence to support claims.