Vitamin C provision improves mood in acutely hospitalized patients

Nutrition. 2011 May;27(5):530-3. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.05.016. Epub 2010 Aug 5.

Abstract

Objective: Hypovitaminosis C and D are highly prevalent in acutely hospitalized patients, but the clinical significance of these biochemical abnormalities is not known. Because deficiencies of vitamin C and D have been linked to psychologic abnormalities, vitamin C or D provision could improve the mood state of acutely hospitalized patients.

Methods: Double-blind clinical trial of the effect of vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) or vitamin D (1000 IU twice daily) on mood, as assessed with a validated instrument, the Profile of Mood States.

Results: Vitamin C therapy increased plasma (P < 0.0001) and mononuclear leukocyte (P = 0.014) vitamin C concentrations and was associated with a 34% reduction in mood disturbance (P = 0.013). Vitamin D therapy increased plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (P = 0.0004), but had no significant effect on mood.

Conclusions: Treatment of hypovitaminosis C improves the mood state of acutely hospitalized patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease / psychology*
  • Affect / drug effects*
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Psychological Tests
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • Ascorbic Acid