Anti-Stress Vitamin

Correct Answer: Vitamin C

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) is consumed rapidly by the adrenal cortex during stress for corticosteroid (cortisol) synthesis. The adrenal glands have the highest body concentration of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C Synthesis

Precursor: Glucose (hexose sugar) → via L-gulonolactone oxidase → Ascorbic acid. Animals that CANNOT synthesise Vitamin C (lack L-gulonolactone oxidase): humans, guinea pigs, monkeys, poultry.

Deficiency

• Humans: Scurvy
• Baby guinea pigs: Pithed frog position