Can Vitamin C Help Prevent Suicidal Thoughts?

Tragically, rates of suicide are increasing. Could something as simple as vitamin C help prevent thoughts of suicide?

Unbelievably, around 700,000 people worldwide commit suicide every year. It has been suggested that vitamin C, working as an antioxidant, might prevent oxidative damage in neural circuits associated with emotional behaviour and that it might have a positive effect on suicidal behaviour.

This new study put that theory to the test. The study included 28,623 people who were 20 or older. Encouragingly, there was an association between more vitamin C and fewer thoughts of suicide.

Among people who got the most vitamin C, there was a 37% reduction in the risk of suicidal thoughts for each unit increase in vitamin C (it is not clear how much a unit was).

Though a causal relationship could not be established, this innovative study suggests the possibility that increased intake of vitamin C might help prevent thoughts of suicide. The researchers conclude that “the study proposes a novel strategy for mitigating suicidal ideation through the advocacy of nutritious dietary practices and enhanced intake of vitamin C.”

Journal of Affective Disorders. January 2025;368:528-36.

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