According to the National Center for Health and Wellness, there is a direct correlation between B vitamins and the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Both are vital to feelings of calm and emotional equilibrium. The National Center for Health and Wellness also cites studies that indicate that some B vitamins regulate neuro-toxic chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety.
Vitamin B-1
The National Center for Health and Wellness reports on a study that gave patients 50 mg thiamine or vitamin B1 a day for two consecutive months. Others received a placebo. The patients who took the thiamine not only showed improved mood, but memory as well. Clarocet.com says that this B vitamin can aid with focus. It can eliminate feelings of stress when you must cope with many things at once. It also eases depression.
Vitamin B-2
Riboflavin or Vitamin B-2 affects your body's responses to stress, according to Clarocet.com. It can minimize the physical results of stress, such as headaches and depression. It also strengthens the immune system against anxiety and stress.
Vitamin B-3
Niacin or Vitamin B-3 affects the production of serotonin, according to the website Byestress.com. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is chiefly responsible for maintaining calm. Protein foods such as beef, fish, poultry, milk and eggs contain it. Clarocet.com calls it an "anxiety vitamin" and indicates that it is directly involved in regulating cortisol, a stress hormone. Niacin can help your response to stressful circumstances.
Vitamin B-5
Vitamin B-5, or pantothenic acid, is integral in keeping the adrenal glands functioning properly. The adrenal glands synthesize and control levels of cortisol and adrenaline, both stress hormones, according to Byestress.com. According to the National Center for Health and Wellness, pantothenic acid synthesizes acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that improves attention span. It can aid in focus and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Vitamin B-9
According to the National Center for Health and Wellness, vitamin B-9, also called folic acid, can counteract the effects of homocysteine in the brain. Homocysteine is a byproduct of natural processes that can cause psychiatric disturbances and affect your perception of stressful events.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is necessary for nerve health and function. The National Institutes of Health has indicated that depletion of this vitamin can result in anxiety, irritability, confusion and stress. The human body cannot store B vitamins, so for optimal relief from stress and anxiety, you should replenish your B-12 vitamin levels daily.
