Moods are affected by a variety of factors, including stress, diet, exercise and work. When any or all of these things get out of balance, mood swings can occur, involving anger, irritation, sadness and even depression. Certain nutritional supplements have become a popular purported way to help with enhance mood. Although vitamin C has not been scientifically proven to help mood, it affects systems in the body that are related to well-being. Check with your doctor before supplementing with vitamin C.
Balances Stress Levels
One way vitamin C can affect mood is that this vitamin is connected to stress levels. In the book, "Food & Mood" by Elizabeth Somer, she notes that the stress glands, including the pituitary, and the adrenals are major storage sites for vitamin C in the body. During times of stress, vitamin C stores are depleted, which can intensify the body's stress response by elevating stress hormones. This catch-22 can lead to irritation, anger and moodiness. According to Somer, obtaining more vitamin C can help to stop this cycle.
Produces Neurotransmitters
Vitamin C also plays an important function in the production of certain neurotransmitters that have an effect on mood, according to nutrition expert Jack Challem in his book, "The Food-Mood Solution." These neurotransmitters include dopamine and melanin, which impact metabolism, stress and the ability to relax. Challem adds that vitamin C also protects the brain from amphetamines, which also helps to calm the mind.
May Decrease Depression
Vitamin C may decrease depression in certain individuals. According to editor Michael S. Ritsner in his book, "Brain Protection in Schizophrenia, Mood and Cognitive Disorders," vitamin C may be valuable for patients with depression who have low levels of serotonin. This may have to do with the fact that vitamin C lowers vanadium, as raised levels of this trace mineral have been found in the blood plasma of those suffering from depression.
Impacts Nerves
Another way that vitamin C may help mood is through its impact on the nerves. Dr. Ridha Arem explains in the book, "The Thyroid Solution" that the nerve endings contain the highest amounts of vitamin C of any structure in the human body. When nerves are frayed, they can cause not only pain and inflammation, but a short fuse and irritation. Through the same mechanisms, vitamin C can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
References
- "Food & Mood"; Elizabeth Somer, RD; 1999
- "The Food-Mood Solution"; Jack Challem; 2007
- "Brain Protection in Schizophrenia, Mood and Cognitive Disorders"; Michael S. Ritsner; 2010
- "The Thyroid Solution"; Ridha Arem, MD; 2007
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