Vitamins for Stress Relief

Any physical, emotional or mental stress has a physical effect on the body. It may increase levels of hormones like adrenalin and cortisone, reduce the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, increase the metabolic rate, increase the levels of free radicals and may reduce the levels of vitamins A, B, C and E.

Some people find the following vitamins are useful for maintaining health in times of stress:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B Complex (Biotin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Vitamin B1

Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is a cofactor in the conversion of glucose to other sugars. It helps the body's cells produce energy.

The recommended daily dose of Vitamin B1 is 1.4mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of energy and is required in the support of bodily processes involving Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and Vitamin K.

The recommended daily dosage of Vitamin B2 is 1.6mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is necessary for the metabolism of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that keeps the mind calm.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B3 is 19mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body's cells produce energy. It regulates the functioning of adrenal glands, where stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are synthesized.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B5 is 6mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body make protein and convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin. It also helps to produce chemicals like haemoglobin, insulin and infection-fighting antibodies.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B6 is 2mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that works in tandem with Folate to support cellular replication. Vitamin B12 also synthesises myelin to protect nerve fibres.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B12 is 6 µg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin B Complex (Biotin)

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the cells metabolise protein, fat and carbohydrates and produce energy.

The recommended daily dosage of Biotin is 30 µg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is used in the metabolism of stress-related hormones like adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenalin. It is an antioxidant that helps reduce free radicals.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C is 75mg. (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent illness and cancer. It's believed that Vitamin E may help prevent and treat heart disease. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin E is 10mg (higher dosages may be required in times of stress)

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