Vitamin C Deficiency And Stress Related Diseases

Vitamin C deficiency is widely associated with stress related diseases. Several studies (Moritz et al., 2020) showed that supplementation with ascorbic acid generates antidepressant effects and positively impacts mood.  Ascorbic acid supplementation provides fast therapeutic response with high tolerance and low toxicity, therefore, it can be considered as an accepted candidate for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. 

Stress-related disorders are common and could become severe and chronic at some point in life. There is a strong link between stress and depression, taking into consideration that about 60% of patients suffering from depression experienced prior period of chronic stress (Moritz et al., 2020). Stress is seen as one of crucial factors in developing the onset of anxiety. Recognising stress as a factor contributing to anxiety and depression, stress management seem to be a significant factor in the treatment of stress-related disorders.

Vitamin C and Oxidative Damage

Oxidative damage can weaken biomolecules (biological molecules produced by cells and living organisms. They are involved in a wide range of processes, such as energy storage, transmitting and storing genetic codes or mobilising biochemical reactions. Four major types of biomolecules are lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids). The damage can be prevented by antioxidant defence mechanisms. The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly sensitive to oxidative damage because of a high volume of transition metals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidative damage has also been linked to anxiety disorders and depression. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vital for humans and other mammals. It is known for reacting with free radicals, thus protecting biomolecules from oxidative damage.

Vitamin C deficiency may lead to abnormalities in brain development, including learning and memory impairments. Ascorbic acid is crucial to several reactions in the brain and has been proven to improve recovery from mental stress and anxiety. Vitamin C supplementations shown to reduce stress-induced cortisol release. It plays an important role in the stress response as well as lessens behavioural impairments associated with stress.

Can Vitamin C Deficiency Affect Anxiety?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation generates an anti-anxiety effect. High dose continuous release of ascorbic acid was effective in decreasing mental disorders such as anxiety. Although the exact effect underlying the anxiolytic effects of ascorbic acid is not yet well understood, it is suggested that it could act as pro-oxidant (and, as mentioned previously, oxidate stress is known to reinforce the anxiety-related behaviour). 

A meta-analysis suggested that ascorbic acid supplementation may be able to modify depressive symptoms. A study conducted with elderly patients treated with ascorbic acid demonstrated 51% decrease in psychologic stress and 71% decrease in mood symptoms. Additionally, a study analysing the diet composition showed a link between depressive symptoms and lower daily intake of vitamin C (Moritz et al., 2020). 

Although clinical trials have shown that supplementation with ascorbic acid displays beneficial results for anxiety and depression, the consumption of vitamin C by worldwide population declines. This occurrence is associated with increased amount of vitamin C deficiency diseases.

Source:

Moritz, S. (2020). The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 85, 108459–108459.