IT SEEMS we were right when we sang about being "happy little vegemites".
A new study by Victorian researchers suggests that people who eat yeast-based spreads are happier than those who don't.
The researchers found people who regularly eat spreads such as Vegemite, Marmite and Promite are less anxious and stressed.
They surveyed 520 people from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, asking questions to determine their stress, depression and anxiety levels.
Participants who regularly ate the sticky black spreads rich in vitamin B reported lower stress and anxiety.
The lowest stress levels were reported by those who ate spreads with extra B12, like Marmite and Vegemite's new improved recipe with the orange lid.
Lead researcher Vasso Apostolopoulos said more than two million Australians suffer from anxiety, and major depressive disorders are set to become the second leading cause of death and disability in the next 20 years, behind heart disease.
"We know these extracts contain some of the world's richest sources of B vitamins, which are essential in keeping our bodies energised and regulating the nervous system," Professor Apostolopoulos said.
Yeast spreads were first used during World War I as solider rations but became pantry staples thanks to catchy marketing campaigns like "Happy little Vegemite" and "My mate Marmite".
This is the first study to show the spreads can play a role in stress and anxiety.
Professor Apostolopoulos said despite the findings, the spreads shouldn't be used to replacement medical treatments for clinical depression and mood disorders.
