The present invention refers especially to 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I) wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently from each other C.sub.1-6-alkyl, C.sub.2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-C.sub.x-alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently from each other C.sub.2-6-alkenyl or y-oxo-C.sub.y-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, and wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently from each other hydroxy, C.sub.1-6-alkyl, C.sub.2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-C.sub.x- alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently from each other hydroxy or y-oxo-C.sub.y-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, for use as mood balancing agents and stress relievers, as well as to dietary compositions and fortified food/feed/beverages containing such 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I), and their uses. ##STR00001##