Can vitamins help improve teenagers’ mood?
Mood swings are often considered a normal part of adolescence.
As teenagers go through hormonal changes and navigate school, friendships and growing independence, emotional ups and downs are expected.
However, experts say this stage of life can also make young people more vulnerable to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Research suggests that about one in five young people between the ages of eight and 25 may experience a mental health disorder. Factors such as hormonal changes, academic pressure and social stress are often linked to these difficulties.
In recent decades, experts have raised concerns that the mental health of young people appears to be worsening, with some researchers describing the trend as increasingly worrying.
While treatments such as psychotherapy or medication are available, they are not always easily accessible or well tolerated by teenagers.
Because of this, researchers have been exploring simpler approaches that may help support emotional wellbeing.
One recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Canterbury looked at whether daily vitamin supplements could help improve mood and reduce irritability among teenagers.
How was the study conducted?
The study involved 132 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 who experienced moderate to high levels of irritability and were not taking any medication.
Participants were divided into two groups for an eight week period.
One group took four tablets daily containing vitamins A, B, C, D, K and E, while the other group received placebo tablets. Throughout the study, participants were monitored by a clinical psychologist.
What did the results show?
Researchers found that teenagers who took the vitamin supplements showed noticeable improvements in mood and emotional responsiveness compared with those who received the placebo.
The most significant improvements were observed among participants with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, a condition characterised by persistent irritability and frequent emotional outbursts.
Around 64 percent of teenagers in this group showed improvement in symptoms, while only 12 percent of those taking placebo tablets experienced similar changes.
Parents of teenagers who received the vitamin supplements also reported improvements in behaviour and emotional regulation.
According to the study’s lead author, Julia J Rucklidge, the findings suggest that nutritional approaches may play a role in supporting emotional wellbeing among young people experiencing mood related difficulties.
