Cortisol and Vitamin C:

How Vitamin C Suppresses Cortisol

• Supports adrenal gland function
  • Adrenal glands use large amounts of vitamin C to produce and regulate cortisol.
  • During stress, adrenal vitamin C levels drop rapidly, and supplementation helps restore balance.
• Reduces oxidative stress
  • Oxidative stress activates the HPA axis, leading to more cortisol.
  • Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and dampens the stress signal cascade.
• Inhibits ACTH release
  • ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates cortisol release.
  • Vitamin C has been shown to blunt ACTH secretion, lowering cortisol output.
• Normalizes HPA axis feedback
  • Vitamin C helps maintain sensitivity of cortisol feedback receptors in the brain.
  • Improves cortisol rhythm (high in morning, low at night), preventing chronic elevation.
• Reduces physical and psychological stress effects
  • Supplementation shown to reduce cortisol spikes during intense exercise and exams.
  • May lower perceived stress and improve mood and fatigue resistance.
• Improves metabolic response
  • Enhances insulin sensitivity, reducing the blood sugar–insulin–cortisol cycle.
  • Helps stabilize energy levels and reduce cravings driven by cortisol.

How Cortisol Causes Weight Gain

1. Increased appetite & cravings
   • Cortisol increases hunger, especially for sugar and fat.
   • Can lead to overeating, especially under stress.
2. Fat storage
   • Promotes fat storage in the abdominal/visceral area (belly fat).
   • This type of fat is more hormonally active and worsens insulin resistance.
3. Muscle breakdown
   • Cortisol breaks down muscle to release amino acids → liver uses them to make glucose.
   • Less muscle = slower metabolism = easier weight gain.
4. Insulin resistance
   • Cortisol raises blood glucose → triggers insulin release.
   • Chronic high cortisol can cause cells to become less responsive to insulin → more fat storage.

Negative Effects of Cortisol on the Body

• Increases abdominal fat storage
• Raises blood sugar, potentially leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• Breaks down muscle tissue, which slows metabolism
• Weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness
• Disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythm
• Impairs memory and focus
• Elevates blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risk
• Increases risk of anxiety, depression, and mood swings
• Slows wound healing and reduces skin regeneration
• Promotes bone loss, raising osteoporosis risk