Yes, evidence suggests vitamin B12 can help support the metabolism of cortisol and may indirectly contribute to lower cortisol levels. It doesn't directly reduce cortisol, but plays a supportive role in the body's stress response.
How B12 Relates to Cortisol
Several studies indicate a connection between B12 and cortisol management:
- Metabolic Support: Vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin C, aids in the metabolism of cortisol. This means it helps the body process cortisol more efficiently. (https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/05/how-to-lower-your-cortisol-levels)
- Stress Response: Studies show B12 supplementation can help control the body's response to stress, potentially leading to decreased cortisol levels. ([Improve Stress Levels: The stress hormone cortisol has been proven to be decreased by vitamin B12, which has been shown to assist in controlling the body's reaction to stress.])
- B-Complex and Stress: A study found that a high-dose B-complex vitamin (including B12) supplementation resulted in significantly lower personal stress ratings. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24284609/)
Important Considerations
- Indirect Effect: It's crucial to understand that B12 doesn't directly lower cortisol levels. Instead, it assists in the body's processes that manage cortisol.
- Additional Factors: Cortisol levels are influenced by various factors including diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management techniques. B12 is one piece of a larger puzzle.
- Further Research: More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between B12 and cortisol.
Studies showing no direct effect of B12 on cortisol levels exist. For example, some research indicates that cortisol excretion was unaffected by vitamin B12 supplementation. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8914118/) This highlights the complexity of the relationship and the need for continued study. However, the supporting evidence for an indirect, positive influence remains significant.
