This study investigates the influence of vitamin C supplementation on mental vitality, attention and cognitive performance in healthy young adults. In a cross-sectional analysis of 214 people (20-39 years), the relationship between serum vitamin C concentration and psychological factors such as attention, stress and mood was investigated. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) was then conducted with 46 participants who had an inadequate vitamin C supply (< 50 μmol/L). The intervention group received 1000 mg vitamin C daily for four weeks.
The results show that a higher vitamin C concentration correlates with better attention. In the RCT, vitamin C supplementation led to a significant improvement in attention, work motivation and concentration, while no significant effects on stress or depression were found. Participants in the vitamin C group also performed better in the Stroop test, which indicates increased cognitive performance.
Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation can improve mental vitality and increase alertness in young adults. Further long-term studies are required to investigate the exact mechanisms and long-term effects.
Background:
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant with neuroprotective properties that plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Despite adequate nutrition, suboptimal vitamin C status may be prevalent in young adults, potentially impairing cognitive function and mental vitality. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin C and mental vitality and to analyze possible causal relationships through vitamin C supplementation.
Methodology:
The study consisted of two parts:
1. Cross-sectional analysis: 214 healthy adults (20-39 years) were examined for their serum vitamin C concentration. Psychological parameters such as attention, stress, depression and work motivation were recorded using questionnaires.
2. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (RCT): 46 participants with vitamin C deficiency (< 50 μmol/L) received either 1000 mg vitamin C daily or a placebo for four weeks. Primary endpoints were attention, work motivation and cognitive performance (Stroop test).
Results:
1. Vitamin C and attention:
– In the cross-sectional analysis, a higher serum vitamin C concentration was significantly associated with better attention (p = 0.003).
– No significant correlation with stress or depression was found.
2. Vitamin C supplementation improves mental vitality:
– After four weeks, the vitamin C group showed significant improvements in attention (p = 0.03) and work motivation (p = 0.03).
– The reduction in fatigue reached a borderline significance (p = 0.06).
– No significant effect was observed on stress, anxiety or depressive symptoms.
3. Improved cognitive performance in the Stroop test:
– Participants in the vitamin C group needed less time to solve cognitive tasks in the Stroop test than the placebo group (p = 0.04).
– Cognitive performance correlated positively with serum vitamin C concentration (r = -0.28, p = 0.05).
4. No change in BDNF:
– The serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a marker for neuronal plasticity, remained unchanged.
Conclusion:
This study provides the first evidence that vitamin C supplementation can improve mental vitality and alertness in young adults with suboptimal vitamin C status. The results suggest that vitamin C plays a role not only in physical but also in cognitive health. Future studies should further investigate long-term effects and mechanisms.