Anxiety and depression are forms of stress that may necessitate increases in certain nutrient requirements. It has been shown that the presence of anxiety symptoms in an individual may accelerate the utilisation of vitamin C. One mechanism this may occur through is an increase in the production of noradrenaline, because noradrenaline synthesis increases with anxiety. The production of noradrenaline is dependent on a monooxygenase enzyme, and this enzyme requires vitamin C to interact with metal ions to allow its activity to proceed. In this process vitamin C turnover can increase considerably, and therefore under conditions where vitamin C is only available in low amounts, impairment to the synthesis of noradrenaline may occur. In addition, vitamin C may protect noradrenaline and other neurotransmitters from breakdown by oxygen (in monoamin oxidase enzyme systems), and therefore low levels of vitamin C may accelerate the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain, altering brain chemistry.
Vitamin C is present in plant foods in high amounts. Fruits and vegetables are particularly high in vitamin C. The classic role of vitamin C in human nutrition is as an antioxidant. In this role vitamin C is able to act as a reducing agent, and in this way can protect cells from free radical damage. However, as a reducing agent, vitamin C also takes part in a number of reactions through interaction with metal enzymes. Monooxygenase enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis require vitamin C for their activity, and when neurotransmitter synthesis rates increase there may be a requirement for increased amounts of vitamin C in the diet. Supplements of vitamin C have been shown to reduce the symptoms of those suffering from psychiatric issues, and may be useful in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Such a state of chronic low levels of vitamin C have been described as a form of sub-scurvy. Under these conditions, a state of general irritability, tiredness, depression and idiopathic ill health may ensue. Evidence suggests that with sub-scurvy, certain individuals may be susceptible to changes in mental health. This could result in the development of mental disorders such as depression and generalised anxiety disorder. The beneficial effects of vitamin C of mental health has been known for some time. In one study conducted in the early 1960’s, subjects on a psychiatric ward were administered 1 gram of vitamin C in solution per day. Assessment of the patients showed they had sub-survey and were depleted in vitamin C. Following consumption of the vitamin C, there were significant improvements in the depressive, manic, and paranoid symptoms of the patients. There was also an overall improvement in personality functioning with saturation of their blood with vitamin C.
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RdB
