Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Vitamin C provision improves mood in acutely hospitalized patients
Michelle Zhang1, Line Robitaille, Shaun Eintracht
1Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, and Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Sainte Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada. l.hoffer@mcgill.ca
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.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Vitamins
Depression: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview