Health & Wellness

5 Mood Boosting Vitamins For Your Happiness

If you are feeling down and in need of a mood boost, it may be that your diet is lacking in certain nutrients. Most of us know that exercise, adequate sleep and stress-relief all impact how we feel. However, research suggests that the food we consume can also play a large role in our mental wellbeing. For example, deficiencies in various vitamins and minerals can lead to periods of low mood and depression. Supplements are a great way to prevent any micronutrient shortfalls.

Here are our top 5 supplements designed to lift your mood and support your everyday health:

1. Relax

Mood

@madeleinealice

These calming capsules contain the minerals magnesium and zinc. When deficient in magnesium, serotonin levels decrease. (1) Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood stabilisation, meaning deficiencies may lead to fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration.

Zinc deficiencies have also been associated with increased depressive symptoms, while zinc supplementation has been reported to enhance mood. (2) Magnesium and zinc provide support to normal psychological and cognitive function. 3

To further boost serotonin levels, Myvitamins Relax capsules contain 5-HTP; a by-product of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a pre-cursor to serotonin, meaning increasing intake of this amino acid may improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. 4

Tryptophan is abundant in many protein-rich foods, such as turkey, eggs, milk and salmon. Lots of these foods are sourced from animals. However, the Myvitamins Relax capsules are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, meaning plant-based eaters can obtain adequate levels of this amino acid with ease.

2. 5-HTP

For a more concentrated source of an essential amino acid, try Myvitamins 5HTP Capsules. This popular wellness supplement contains 50mg of 5HTP per serving and is the perfect addition to your evening routine.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Mood

@gemmalouisemiles

These delicious gummies are formulated with vitamin C, 500mg of apple cider vinegar and 15% of your daily recommended chromium.

Vitamin C supports normal psychological function, a healthy nervous system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. (5) Vitamin C is found most commonly in fruits and vegetables, but many of us don’t eat enough of these. In fact, it’s estimated that only 55% of adults in the UK get their 5 a day. (6) Vitamin C deficiency is associated with fatigue and depression, with research suggesting supplementation may improve mood. 7

The chromium in these fruity gummies helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can cause episodes of fatigue, irritability and low mood. 8

4. Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to many of our bodily functions, including heart and blood pressure functions. They also play a vital role in supporting a healthy brain and nerve cells, as the nervous system is made up mostly of fats.

Foods rich in omega-3 include fish, seafood and leafy greens. According to Psychology Today (2003), countries that eat a diet rich in omega three oils (such as those in the Mediterranean) “have lower rates of depression”. (9) Symptoms of omega 3 deficiency include dry skin, dull hair and insomnia.

If you notice these symptoms and struggle to increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 oils, your mental and physical health may benefit from Myvitamins Omega 3 6 9.

5. Vitamin B12

@mrsalishome

Vitamin B12 is vital for a large variety of functions within the body. These include supporting energy production, promoting healthy immune function and maintaining psychological health. 10

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it itself. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include lethargy and depression.

We must rely on our diets and supplementation in order to obtain this powerhouse of a vitamin. However, around 6% of UK adults are deficient in vitamin B12. For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, this rises to around 11%. (11) This is due to an abundance of vitamin B12 in animal products such as meat, fish and dairy. The Myvitamins Vitamin B12 Tablets are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making them perfect for those on a plant-based diet.

If you’re struggling with low mood and wondering how to combat it, focusing on your exercise, stress-relief and sleep quality can help. Combining these lifestyle changes with a balanced diet can further promote healthy psychological function and boost your happiness.


  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507265/
  2. https://www.jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-review/the-role-of-zinc-in-mood-disorders.html
  3. Magnesium and zinc contribute to normal psychological and cognitive function.
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016372580500135X
  5. Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function, normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
  6. https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/health/diet-and-exercise/healthy-eating-of-5-a-day-among-adults/
  7. https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-015-0609-1
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2707223/
  9. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200301/omega-3s-boosting-mood
  10. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function, normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
  11. https://www.bmj.com/bmj/section-pdf/763683?path=/bmj/349/7973/Clinical_Review.full.pdf


Beth Addey

Beth Addey

Writer and expert

Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) Beth is a Registered Associate Nutritionist specialising in vegan nutrition, nutritional psychology and weight management. Beth has a passion for holistic health, viewing overall health as the result of interactions between physical and emotional wellbeing.