Supports nervous system

Our nervous system is responsible for sending messages throughout our body, which effects how our physical and mental processes work. Vitamin C is vital in the role and management of the nervous system and there are higher concentrations of Vitamin C found within the nervous system than in our blood.

  • Stress response

The stress hormone cortisol is released during times of stress, which causes a rise in blood pressure and anxiety. Vitamin C has been researched to reduce levels of cortisol by helping its secretion from the body, therefore also reducing blood pressure and anxiety [1].

  • Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands use high amounts of Vitamin C during stress because they are essential in the adrenal hormone cascade, and the manufacture of some adrenal hormones. The antioxidant action of Vitamin C also supports the health of the adrenal glands [2,3].

  • Mood

Vitamin C has been researched to have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects by modulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, whilst also improving recovery from mental stress and anxiety [3].

  • Antioxidant

The central nervous system and adrenal glands are sensitive to oxidative damage, and has been linked to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce the oxidative damage [3].

 

Nervous System References

  1. de Oliveira, I. J., de Souza, V. V., Motta, V., & Da-Silva, S. L. (2015). Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 18(1):11-8. DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2015.11.18.
  2. Patak, P., Willenberg, H. S., & Bornstein, S. R. (2004). Vitamin C is an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Endocrine Research, 30(4), 871-5. DOI: 10.1081/erc-200044126. 
  3. Moritz, B., Schmitz, a. E., Lúcia, S., Rodrigues, S., Dafre, A. L., & Cunha, M. P. (2020). The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108459.