As midterms and finals are approaching for many students, memory is a big concern to perform well on these tests. However, many factors can impair memory and can have you struggling more than you used to. Many experience mild memory problems as we age, and it is well known that stress can have a negative impact on memory as well. With the current events, chronic stress is a problem for many, which can impact not only memory, but ability to concentrate. It can even contribute to general brain fog symptoms.
Vitamin C may improve brain function and help with such symptoms. Although the antioxidant properties of vitamin C are focused on for the immune system, studies show those same properties may help protect your brain from the damage often caused by stress. The study showed that memory loss due to stress was significantly reduced in the tested rats that had vitamin C administered versus those that did not. Smaller studies done on humans have shown that those with healthy blood concentrations of vitamin C had better reaction times, attention spans, memory, and could focus more easily.
Studies also showed that people with higher levels of vitamin C in their blood generally had better mood. The impact on mood is significant enough that it may be able to be used as a supplementary treatment or preventative for depression as those who are deficient in vitamin C are more at risk to experience depression. In addition, vitamin C has been shown to potentially reduce the levels of anxiety and heart rate.
Overall, vitamin C is a supplement worth having on your shelf. There are the well-known immune system benefits, as well as the recently discovered benefits for your brain.
We wish you safe and happy holidays, and good luck to students on their tests!
Kira Gibbons
PC NetwoRx, Inc.
www.msm-msm.com
kira@msm-msm.com
623-465-1810
Sources
Alzoubi, K. H., Shatnawi, A. F., Al-Qudah, M. A., & Alfaqih, M. A. (2020). Vitamin C attenuates memory loss induced by post-traumatic stress like behavior in a rat model. Behavioural brain research, 379, 112350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112350
Bauer, B.A. (2020, November 10). Can vitamin C improve your mood? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 9, 2021 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/benefits-vitamin-c/faq-20058271
de Oliveira, I. J., de Souza, V. V., Motta, V., & Da-Silva, S. L. (2015). Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS, 18(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjbs.2015.11.18
Kubala, J. (2021, August 26). 6 Best evidence-based supplements for brain fog. Healthline. Retrieved November 9, 2021 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamins-for-brain-fog