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Does Vitamin C Stop Cortisol?

Published in Stress Management 2 mins read

No, vitamin C doesn't stop cortisol, but several studies suggest it can attenuate or reduce cortisol levels under specific conditions. Cortisol is a crucial stress hormone; completely stopping its production would be harmful. Instead, vitamin C appears to modulate its levels, particularly in response to stress.

How Vitamin C Influences Cortisol

Research indicates that vitamin C supplementation can lessen the increase in cortisol levels caused by stress. This effect has been observed in various studies:

  • Stress Response: A randomized placebo-controlled trial by Brody et al. showed that oral vitamin C reduced the cortisol response to psychological stress. [Brody et al., reference needed - Specific citation missing from provided text]
  • Physical Exertion: Studies demonstrate that vitamin C supplementation helps attenuate the rise in cortisol levels following strenuous activities like ultramarathon running. [Reference needed - Specific citation missing from provided text]
  • Oxidative Stress Reduction: Vitamin C's antioxidant properties may indirectly influence cortisol by mitigating oxidative stress, a factor that can affect hormone regulation. [Reference needed - Specific citation missing from provided text]
  • Adrenal Function: The adrenal glands, responsible for cortisol production, require vitamin C for optimal function. While vitamin C doesn't directly inhibit cortisol, adequate levels support healthy adrenal activity. [Reference needed - Specific citation missing from provided text]

It's crucial to understand that vitamin C's effect on cortisol isn't a direct blockage but rather a modulation of its response to stressors. The extent of this modulation can depend on factors like the level of stress, the dose of vitamin C, and individual variations.

Several studies support the idea that vitamin C supplementation can help lower cortisol levels under certain circumstances; however, more research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and the optimal dosage. It's also important to remember that vitamin C is not a cure-all for stress or high cortisol, and a holistic approach to stress management is usually recommended.