Stress is an inevitable part of life. Factors such as work, family and other relationships, financial issues and health may cause you to experience higher levels of stress at certain points in your life. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, stress stimulates your "fight-or-flight" response, increasing your levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Sometimes, a vitamin deficiency can cause you to feel stressed. Certain supplements may help to alleviate some symptoms of stress. However, you should never take vitamin supplements without first informing your doctor.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also referred to as thiamine or thiamin, is one of the B-complex vitamins. Taking a vitamin B1 supplement may help to calm stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is often referred to as an anti-stress vitamin because it helps to fortify the immune system and may increase your ability to deal with stressful situations. Vitamin B1 is commonly found in dietary sources such as pork, legumes and wheat germ. Thiamine deficiency is rare, however, if you are deficient in this nutrient you may experience depressive symptoms, irritability and fatigue. If you take a vitamin B1 supplement, you should consult your doctor to determine the proper dosage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, meaning that it helps to fight the effects of free radicals on your body. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, individuals who are under stress, such as from cold weather conditions or extreme exertion, may benefit from vitamin C. It can help to alleviate certain symptoms of the common cold and strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C can also affect your mood because of its effect on the production of certain neurotransmitters. Although deficiencies are considered rare, it can be helpful to increase your dietary sources of vitamin C, such as eating more citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli. If you do not get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may benefit from taking a supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that can protect your body from oxidative stress, a condition where oxygen molecules in your body start damaging the cells around them, according to WHFoods.org. When your body is undergoing stress, you may experience more damage from free radicals. Vitamin E also helps to strengthen your immune system, which can become compromised from too much stress. Vitamin E is available in food sources such as sunflower seeds, almonds and blueberries, however, you may want to take a supplement if you're concerned that you're not getting enough from dietary sources.
