A new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found Vitamin C supplementation improved attention, work motivation, and reaction time in young adults.
50 adults between the ages of 20 and 39, who did not currently use any Vitamin C supplements and who had a Vitamin C blood serum concentrations below 50 umol/L, participated in this 4 week study. The study participants were randomized to receive either 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily or a placebo. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure the changes in Vitamin C blood serum levels. Questionnaires were used to measure attention and fatigue. A Stroop Colour-Word test was used as a measurement of cognitive functions like information processing speed and attention.
An increase of 106% in the mean value of serum Vitamin C concentrations were seen in the group supplementing with Vitamin C. All participants supplementing with Vitamin C achieved optimal Vitamin C status (Vitamin C levels above 50 umol/L). No increases in Vitamin C blood serum levels were seen by participants who supplemented with the placebo.
Increases in Vitamin C blood serum levels were associated with significant improvements in both work motivation and attention. Attention scores increased significantly from 7.1 (+/- 1.8) to 9.0 (+/-2.4) in the Vitamin C supplement group with little change seen in the placebo group,7.7 (+/ -2.1) to 8.0 (+/-2.0). Attention scores were also higher for the Vitamin C supplement group when compared with their baseline scores.
Work motivation also increased significantly in the Vitamin C supplement group at the end of the study from 22.4 (+/- 4.9) to 24.6 (+-5.5). Researchers believe enhanced attentional focus contributed to feelings of improved concentration and motivation. Improvements in reaction time while performing cognitive task was also seen.
Researchers explained Vitamin C modulated the effects on hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain which explained the improvements seen in the supplementation group.
Further research is needed.
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