Vitamins for Anxiety & Stress

Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. When we are scared, our bodies respond by tightening muscles, speeding up our metabolism and producing additional adrenaline (which makes our hearts pump faster). This is a good response in such circumstances where we need to react to possible dangers. Anxiety or stress that is prolonged, such as when a person goes through a divorce, can interfere with our lives and jobs. It can cause insomnia, digestive problems, mood swings and other health conditions. Certain vitamins, minerals and herbs are often helpful in treating anxiety and stress.

Vitamin B1

• Thiamin (vitamin B1) improves mood. It is important in keeping the heart and nervous system running normally. A deficiency in vitamin B1 can cause irritability and lack of energy.

Vitamin B2

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is required by the body to produce anti-stress hormones. Also, B2 releases energy stored in food and is needed for protein metabolism.

Vitamin B3

• A deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3) can cause mental instability and dermatitis, or skin inflammation. Anxiety and stress can cause skin-related problems. The B3 vitamin also is responsible for normal energy levels.

Vitamin B5

• Vitamin B5 helps the body produce anti-stress hormones.

Vitamin B6

• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) has a role in keeping nervous systems functioning normally. Someone lacking sufficient quantities of B6 might experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, dermatitis or irritability.

Vitamin B12

• Playing a part in producing "feel good" brain chemicals, vitamin B12 also is needed to produce red blood cells.