According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect almost 40 million Americans each year. Some people suffer from sudden panic attacks, with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath and sweating. Other forms of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, a disorder characterized by irrational worry and fear, and phobias, characterized by a fear of a specific place or thing. Some vitamins may help ease the symptoms of anxiety. Always inform your physician if you decide to take vitamin supplements.
B Complex
B vitamins are essential for healthy functioning of the central nervous system. According to the National Center for Health and Wellness, a deficiency in specific B vitamins such as B6, B9 and B12 can lead to an imbalance in your nervous system and may contribute to symptoms of anxiety. The B complex vitamins also help your body to manufacture certain important mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin. B vitamins are found in foods such as liver, fish and brown rice. If you're not getting enough B vitamins in your diet, you can take a multivitamin or B complex supplement to ensure that you're meeting your recommended daily requirement.
Calcium
Calcium is a necessary mineral your body needs for a variety of functions, including the proper operation of your nervous system. Calcium occurs naturally in dairy foods, certain types of grains and some green, leafy vegetables like spinach. According to Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., author of "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook," calcium acts as a tranquilizer and may help to calm the nervous system. If you have a calcium deficiency, you may experience overactive nerve cells, a possible cause of anxiety. Taking a multivitamin that includes calcium may help you to handle stress more effectively, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant to combat the effects of free radicals--damaging agents present in your body due to digestion and exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke and smog. According to Bourne, your body quickly uses up its reserves of vitamin C during times of stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling low in energy. Vitamin C supports healthy functioning of your adrenal glands, which, when functioning properly, help you cope with stress. Taking a vitamin C supplement may reduce your feelings of anxiety and make you more resilient to the effects of stress.
