وٹامن سی · ascorbic acid
Weak evidence
Cheap and harmless, with very little evidence that it does anything for mood.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A vitamin needed for collagen, immunity and iron absorption. In citrus, amla, guava, peppers and green vegetables.
A few small hospital studies found improved mood in deficient inpatients, which does not extend to people eating fruit. Reviews find no good evidence that vitamin C treats depression or anxiety. Its useful role here is different: taken with an iron tablet it meaningfully improves absorption.
Ordinary supplements are 500 to 1,000 mg. There is no established mood dose.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
Very safe. Large doses cause diarrhoea and increase the risk of kidney stones in people prone to them. Can interfere with some blood glucose meters.
Cheap and everywhere. Guava, amla and citrus in season deliver plenty for less.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.