Certain vitamins are helpful for metabolic reactions and hormonal activities in the body, thereby also making them effective for reducing stress and irritability. These include fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K, and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B-complex and vitamin C. These vitamins can affect levels of physical stress, anxiety, irritability and poor moods.
Vitamin E
According to an article published in a 2001 issue of the journal "Nutrition," vitamin E serves a protective role in muscle cells by reducing oxidative damage to fats, acids and proteins after a person participates in strenuous exercise. During intense exercise, the body releases muscle enzymes that build up and cause inflammation and soreness. Vitamin E helps to reduce inflammation and bolster the immune system after undergoing severe physical and/or emotional stress.
Vitamin C
According to "Psychology Today," vitamin C helps reduce the physical and psychological effects of stress. People with high levels of vitamin C show reduced mental and physical signs of stress and are able to combat the effects of stress faster than people with low levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered an essential component of stress management, as it reduces secretion of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. High levels of stress exhaust the body physically, inhibit normal learning and memory, and make people susceptible to depression and irritability, so regular use of vitamin C is highly beneficial.
Vitamin B-Complex
Vitamin B-complex plays an important role in chemical processes throughout the brain and body. An insufficiency of B vitamins, including vitamins B6, B9 and B12, results in poor mood and feelings, and even anxiety and depression. An adequate intake of B vitamins directly benefits the neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and can also help to balance and metabolize the toxic chemicals that cause irritability and stress. B-complex vitamins are important for stabilizing natural enzyme processes and maintaining proper nervous system function in order to stimulate positive cognitive function, memory and emotional well-being.
