
	Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences
	Year: 2015 \| Volume: 18 \| Issue: 1 \| Page No.: 11-18 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2015.11.18

Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Ivaldo Jesus Lima de Oliveira, Victor Vasconcelos de Souza, Vitor Motta and Sergio Leme Da-Silva

Abstract: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant that is involved in anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue and mood state in humans. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may trigger neuropsychological disorders. Antioxidants may play an important therapeutic role in combating the damage caused by oxidative stress in individuals that suffer from anxiety. In this context, it was hypothesized that oral vitamin C supplementation would reduce anxiety. However, few up to date studies have evaluated the consequences of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in humans. The present study examined the effects of oral vitamin C supplements in 42 high school students, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The students were given either vitamin C (500 mg day^-1) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and blood pressure were measured before the intervention and then one day after the intervention. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each student before and after 14 days following supplementation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that vitamin C reduced anxiety levels and led to higher plasma vitamin C concentration compared to the placebo. The mean heart rates were also significantly different between vitamin C group and placebo control group. Present study results not only provide evidence that vitamin C plays an important therapeutic role for anxiety but also point a possible use for antioxidants in the prevention or reduction of anxiety. This suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C may be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety and improve academic performance.

PDF Fulltext XML References Citation Report Citation

How to cite this article:

Ivaldo Jesus Lima de Oliveira, Victor Vasconcelos de Souza, Vitor Motta and Sergio Leme Da-Silva, 2015. Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 18: 11-18.

DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2015.11.18

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2015.11.18

COMMENTS

07 October, 2016
sana alboghbeish:
NO COMMENTS-VERY GOOD

REPLY

07 October, 2016
sana alboghbeish:
very good

REPLY

COMMENT ON THIS PAPER

Navigation


		Online First
		Current Issue
		Previous Issues
		Editorial Board
		Submit a Manuscript
		Guide to Authors
		Subscribe to E-alerts

Indexed In


		AGRIS
		ASCI-Database
		Asian Digital Library
		Cambridge Scientific Abstract
		Chemical Abstract Services
		Google Scholar
		ISI Web of Knowledge
		PubMed
		SCIMAGO
		Thomson ISI

Science Alert