Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbate, ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant and cofactor for many biochemical reactions. Vitamin C blocks the generation of free radicals, scavenges free radicals, and regenerates other antioxidants (vitamin E and glutathione).

Oxidative stress and damage are the main drivers of aging and neurodegeneration. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high metabolic rate [Kocot, 2017]. By virtue of its important role as an antioxidant (by scavenging free radicals), vitamin C has vital neuroprotective functions, defending the brain against inflammation and degenerative changes [Kocot, 2017].

Vitamin C also plays an important role in energy metabolism as it is vital to the biosynthesis of carnitine [Tardy, 2020]. In addition, vitamin C is an important cofactor in the production of neurotransmitters and pituitary neuropeptides [Tardy, 2020; Karanth, 2001].

Vitamin C supplementation may improve anxiety, depression, and fatigue [Carr, 2014; Choi, 2011; Gautam, 2012; Suh, 2012].

References

Carr A.C., Vissers M.C., Cook J.S. The effect of intravenous vitamin C on cancer- and chemotherapy-related fatigue and quality of life. Front. Oncol. 2014;4:283

Choi J.Y., dela Peña I.C., Yoon S.Y., et al. Is the anti-stress effect of vitamin C related to adrenal gland function in rat? Food Sci. Biotechnol. 2011;20:429–435

Gautam M, et al. Role of antioxidants in generalised anxiety disorder and depression. Indian J Psychiatry 2012;54:244–247

Kocot J, et al. Does vitamin C influence neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric disorders? Nutrients 2017;9:659

Suh S.Y., Bae W.K., Ahn H.Y., et al. Intravenous vitamin C administration reduces fatigue in office workers: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Nutr. J. 2012;11:7

Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, et al. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue, and cognition: a narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients 2020;16:228