Stress is a physical or psychological stimulus caused due to economic or political uncertainties, looming unemployment and a decreasing quality of life. Other factors contributing to the causes of stress include malnutrition, an inadequate family structure and lack of a support network. These factors often interact with biological factors to develop stress.
Vitamin deficiency, especially deficiency of Vitamin B complex, is the major cause of stress that eventually leads to various health ailments. B complex vitamins are most essential for normal functioning of the nervous and circulatory system. These vitamins are associated with nervousness, anxiety, metabolic function, immune system, energy production and healthy skin, hairs and nails.
Vitamin B complex and stress has an age old relationship. Since ages, B group vitamins are helping people to cope up with stress and anxiety. That's the reason why B Vitamins are known as stress vitamins. Different B vitamins work their independent functions in synergy with each other to relieve stress and calm anxiety.
Riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B 12 are mainly responsible for regulating normal functions of the nervous system and production of neurotransmitters.
Riboflavin is required in higher amounts for people under stress. This is one B vitamin that largely helps to cope up with any stressful situation. Vitamin B2 helps in the conversion of remaining B vitamins to their usable form and also aids in strengthening the immune system that tends to weaken under stress. B2 in association with B1 and other nutrients also work for converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy. Alcohol and smoking also destroys riboflavin.
Niacin helps the human body to metabolize fatty acids and release energy. It also plays a vital role in promoting healthy neurons, controlling blood sugar and lowering cholesterol level.
Vitamin B6 helps in manufacturing neurotransmitters such as serotonin that are essential to cope with stress. It also plays a vital role in boosting the immune and the nervous system during stress. B complex vitamins work together as a team to relieve stress.
Folic Acid is another B vitamin that helps to cope up with stress. A deficiency of folic acid often leads to psychiatric disturbances.
Vitamin B12 helps to control levels of the amino acid homocysteine, produced during protein metabolism. Excess amount of this vitamin is associated with psychiatric symptoms and damage to the blood vessels.