Among Vitamin C’s many functions, one of its most important tissues it serves may be the brain as the CNS contains the highest concentrations of ascorbate in the body (1).
In the Central Nervous System, vitamin C performs its well-known antioxidant role, but also as a cofactor in enzyme reaction including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin (1). Ascorbate serves as a cofactor for dopamine B-hydroxylase in coverting dopamine to norephinephrine (1).
Studies show that vitamin C is regionally distributed in the brain and provides additional evidence that neurotransmitters rely on Ascobate funciton (1). Vitamin C contained in the forebrain in high levels may be associated with the high levels of catacholamine (norepinephrine) function in this area (1). Other areas of research suggest vitamin C role in dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission as a neuromodulator with possible mechanisms related to protection against excitotoxicity of NMDA receptor activation (1).
Other reports suggest that ascorbate plays a role as a cofactor for tryptophan-5-hydroxylase in tryptophan conversion to 5-hydroxytryptophan in serotonin production (2). In patient's deprived of ctamin C, states of sadness, reduced cogntitive abilities, and fatigue emerge (2). Reduced levels of both serotonin and norepninephrine have been show to be related to depressed mood (2).
Based on these reports, vitamin C has a significant impact on several neurotransmitters and may play an important role in mental health.
Sources:
1/Harrison, F.E., May, J.M., 2009. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 46, 719–730. ttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018
2/ Prerana Gupta, Sanchit Tiwari, Jigar Haria. "Relationship Between Depression and Vitamin C Status: A Study on Rural Patients From Western Uttar Pradesh in India". International Journal of Scientific Study. 2014;1(4):37-39.
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