Product Image

Anti-Fatigue

Kroeger Herb Products Co.
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(70 ratings)
Vitamin B5 490 mg
Vitamin B12 1000 mcg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score63
Strong B5, B12, and vitamin C dosing may help fill nutrient gaps, but opaque licorice disclosure is a notable weakness.
How scoring works
Quantity:80 Tablet(s) • (80 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health

Score 63

Strong B5, B12, and vitamin C dosing may help fill nutrient gaps, but opaque licorice disclosure is a notable weakness.
How scoring works
$20.38($0.25 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 20.38
iHerb
$ 21.59
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Analysis

The formula emphasizes 490 mg of pantothenic acid, 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12, and 500 mg of vitamin C. Smaller amounts of the remaining B vitamins add breadth for normal energy metabolism without adding a stimulant.

Cyanocobalamin and pyridoxine are ordinary forms, and the very large pantothenic acid amount is more than most users need for routine nutrition. Licorice is listed without a usable quantity, so its contribution and practical risks cannot be judged.

An 80-serving bottle offers reasonable convenience and value for users seeking a high-B5 formula. People with blood-pressure or potassium concerns should favor a product that clearly states the licorice type and dose.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking non-stimulant nutrient support
  • Users specifically looking for high pantothenic acid
  • People comfortable with conventional B-vitamin forms
Best for
  • Vitamin B5 delivery
  • High-dose B12
  • General energy metabolism support

Pros

  • Provides a high pantothenic acid amount
  • Supplies 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12
  • Includes 500 mg of vitamin C
  • Offers one serving per tablet count

Cons

  • Licorice dose is not disclosed
  • Uses cyanocobalamin rather than a coenzyme B12 form
  • Pantothenic acid amount is excessive for many routine users
  • Other B vitamins are comparatively modest

Warnings

  • Licorice may raise blood pressure or lower potassium in susceptible users, but the missing dose prevents risk assessment
  • People using diuretics, corticosteroids, or blood-pressure medicines should avoid undisclosed licorice without professional guidance
  • High pantothenic acid may cause digestive upset in some users

Nutrient quality

58 Moderate impact

Vitamin C and several B vitamins are supplied in usable amounts. Very high pantothenic acid and B12 doses, alongside an unspecified licorice amount, make the formula difficult to balance for routine use.

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Ingredient transparency

68 High impact

Most vitamin amounts are disclosed and no formal proprietary blend is listed. Licorice lacks a usable quantity, while directions and non-active ingredients are missing.

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Customer satisfaction

61 Moderate impact

The listed average rating is favorable, but the review count is modest. Specific experience details are absent, so repeated complaints and purpose alignment remain unclear.

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Value for money

66 High impact

The long serving count and several disclosed nutrients support fair value. Unbalanced doses and unclear licorice disclosure weaken the quality delivered per serving.

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Report analysis

Goals

Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin B5 · 490 mgRiboflavin · 5 mgThiamin · 5 mgVitamin B12 · 1000 mcg

High vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid directly support nutrient metabolism, with vitamin C and other B vitamins adding useful cofactors. The formula is non-stimulant and aimed at correcting nutritional limitations.

Cyanocobalamin is less preferred than methylcobalamin, and the licorice amount is not disclosed. Licorice can raise blood pressure or lower potassium in susceptible users, especially with prolonged use.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Disputed 14 studies
Immunity
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB Strength of SupportC+ CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C meets a focused immune-support amount and contributes to antioxidant and barrier defenses. The B vitamins mainly support energy metabolism rather than adding broad immune coverage.

Plain ascorbic acid is clearly disclosed, but the licorice amount is missing and the pantothenic acid amount is unusually large. Undisclosed licorice makes blood-pressure and potassium-related risk impossible to judge for sensitive users.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 1000 mcgVitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C and B vitamins provide relevant support for antioxidant defenses, energy metabolism, and red blood cell formation. The B12 and vitamin C amounts are substantial.

Cyanocobalamin and pyridoxine are conventional forms, while the unusually large pantothenic acid amount adds little clear benefit for routine use. Licorice is present without a usable dose, making blood-pressure and potassium-related risk impossible to assess for sensitive users.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Adverse 66 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB Strength of SupportC CoverageC- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides a meaningful cofactor for collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense. Its amount is well suited to that supporting role.

The surrounding high-potency B-vitamin formula is designed for fatigue rather than skin health. Unbuffered vitamin C and unclear licorice disclosure further limit the formula’s skin-focused quality.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Productivity Boost
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 1000 mcgVitamin B12 · 1000 mcgVitamin B6 · 5 mg

Vitamin B12 provides a useful but incomplete connection to productivity. Some relevant amounts are useful, while others are better suited to basic support.

Coverage is concentrated on nutrient-related fatigue support. The focused design leaves other major alertness, cognition, or stress pathways uncovered.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Supportive 15 studies
Vitamin B12 No effect 17 studies
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

High-dose vitamin B12 and vitamin C may support hair when a relevant deficiency exists. Missing iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and structural actives leave major pathways uncovered.

The main vitamin amounts are clear, but cyanocobalamin is a basic B12 form and the licorice amount is undisclosed. Its fatigue-oriented design offers only indirect hair relevance.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Disputed 17 studies
Vitamin C Mixed 5 studies
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
D Goal FitD Strength of SupportC CoverageC- Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 1000 mcgVitamin B6 · 5 mgVitamin C · 500 mg

High-dose pantothenic acid and B vitamins target energy and a traditional adrenal-support concept rather than direct relaxation. Vitamin C and B vitamins have clear nutritional roles but limited evidence for reducing stress when intake is already adequate.

The licorice amount is not meaningfully stated, preventing dose and safety assessment. Licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium in susceptible users, making the opaque dose a practical concern.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 11 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
500 mg
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
5 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
5 mg
Niacin
5 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
5 mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
1000 mcg
Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Pantothenate)
490 mg
Calcium (Calcium Pantothenate)
53 mg
Licorice
0 NP
Adults 18–50 Women
Report overview
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Calcium pantothenate provides a stable, well-absorbed vitamin B5 source. 490 mg per serving provides strong support. Value is average when the broader anti-fatigue formula is judged by vitamin B5 delivery alone.

F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

Cyanocobalamin is clearly identified, but it is not a coenzyme form. The 1,000 mcg serving reaches the higher-needs potency threshold. The two-tablet serving uses standard oral delivery and offers relatively favorable cost efficiency.

F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The 500 mg vitamin C amount is useful within a broader fatigue-oriented formula. Generic ascorbic acid remains acidic, and the licorice amount is not disclosed clearly enough to assess its practical significance. Vitamin C cost efficiency is moderate.

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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Cobalamin deficiency: clinical picture and radiological findings.
    Briani C; Dalla Torre C; Citton V; Manara R; Pompanin S; Binotto G; Adami F · Nutrients · 2014
    Narrative reviewEnergy forVitamin B12
  2. Association between serum vitamin B12 level and frailty in older adults.
    Dokuzlar O; Soysal P; Isik AT · Northern clinics of Istanbul · 2022
    Cross-sectional study335 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  3. Association of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone With Fatigue and Neurologic Symptoms in Patients With Fibromyalgia.
    Munipalli B; Strothers S; Rivera F; Malavet P; Mitri G; Abu Dabrh AM; Dawson NL · Mayo Clinic proceedings. Innovations, quality & outcomes · 2022
    Observational study2,142 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  4. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review.
    Dułak NA; Rytlewska M; Jaskólska M; Chmielewski M · Rheumatology international · 2024
    Case series3 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  5. Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.
    Markun S; Gravestock I; Jäger L; Rosemann T; Pichierri G; Burgstaller JM · Nutrients · 2021
    Meta-analysis6,276 participants16 studies pooledEnergy forVitamin B12
  6. Patients' experiences with methylcobalamin injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Zubair AS; Saab L; Scharer K; Khokhar B · Brain circulation · 2024
    Qualitative study5 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  7. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Common Questions and Answers.
    Patel H; McGuirk R · American family physician · 2025
    Narrative reviewEnergy forVitamin B12
  8. Oral Vitamin B12 versus Placebo for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Insin P; Chaiwongsa T; Prueksaritanond N · Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP · 2026
    Randomized trial40 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  9. Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Diabetic Neuropathy: A 1-Year, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Didangelos T; Karlafti E; Kotzakioulafi E; Margariti E; Giannoulaki P; Batanis G; Tesfaye S; Kantartzis K · Nutrients · 2021
    Randomized trial90 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  10. A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
    Xu G; Lv ZW; Feng Y; Tang WZ; Xu GX · Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) · 2014
    Randomized trial98 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  11. Local Injection of Methylcobalamin Combined with Lidocaine for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia.
    Xǔ G; Xu S; Tang WZ; Xú G; Cheng C; Xu J · Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) · 2017
    Randomized trial204 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  12. The Effect of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Serum Homocysteine, Anemia Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
    Nozari E; Ghavamzadeh S; Razazian N · Clinical nutrition research · 2022
    Clinical trial50 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  13. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  14. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  15. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  16. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  17. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  18. Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss.
    Al-Fawaeir S; Al-Odat I · Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025
    Case-control study200 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  19. Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population.
    Chakrabarty S; Krishnappa PG; Gowda DG; Hiremath J · International journal of trichology · 2016
    Case-control study74 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  20. Risk Factors for Pediatric Alopecia Areata: Clinical and Biochemical Findings from a Case - Control Study.
    İritaş SY · Dermatology practical & conceptual · 2026
    Case-control study600 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  21. Hair Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
    Katsogridaki G; Tzovaras G; Sioka E; Perivoliotis K; Zachari E; Magouliotis D; Tasiopoulou V; Chatedaki C; Zacharoulis D · Obesity surgery · 2019
    Cohort study50 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  22. Demographic Characteristics and Association of Serum Vitamin B12, Ferritin and Thyroid Function with Premature Canities in Indian Patients from an Urban Skin Clinic of North India: A Retrospective Analysis of 71 Cases.
    Sonthalia S; Priya A; Tobin DJ · Indian journal of dermatology · 2022
    Cross-sectional study71 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  23. Management of hair loss associated with endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer: an overview.
    Karatas F; Sahin S; Sever AR; Altundag K · SpringerPlus · 2016
    Narrative reviewHair Health forVitamin C
  24. Elucidating causal relationships of diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of non-scarring alopecia: A Mendelian randomization study.
    Ba Y; Shen L; Peng X; Zhang Y; Wang J · Medicine · 2024
    Methods validation study201,019 participantsHair Health forVitamin C
  25. Alterations of plasma antioxidants and mitochondrial DNA mutation in hair follicles of smokers.
    Liu CS; Chen HW; Lii CK; Tsai CS; Kuo CL; Wei YH · Environmental and molecular mutagenesis · 2002
    Observational studyHair Health forVitamin C
  26. Removal of synthetic hair dye using formamidine sulfinic acid and other sulfinate precursors.
    Hawkes JA; Lewis DM; Mama J; Murray J · International journal of cosmetic science · 2026
    Methods validation studyHair Health forVitamin C
  27. A Zinc Sulphate-Resistant Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Patient with a Novel Mutation in SLC39A4 Gene.
    Kilic M; Taskesen M; Coskun T; Gürakan F; Tokatli A; Sivri HS; Dursun A; Schmitt S; Küry S · JIMD reports · 2013
    Case reportHair Health forVitamin C
  28. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  29. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  30. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  31. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  32. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  33. Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, Alone and in Combination on Cognitive Function and Inflammatory Factors in the Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-blind Experimental Design.
    Ma F; Zhou X; Li Q; Zhao J; Song A; An P; Du Y; Xu W; Huang G · Current Alzheimer research · 2020
    Randomized trial240 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  34. Effects of Physical Activity and Micronutrients on Cognitive Performance in Children Aged 6 to 11 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Meli AM; Ali A; Mhd Jalil AM; Mohd Yusof H; Tan MMC · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2022
    Meta-analysisProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  35. Cognitive function in an elderly population: interaction between vitamin B12 status, depression, and apolipoprotein E ε4: the Hordaland Homocysteine Study.
    Vogiatzoglou A; Smith AD; Nurk E; Drevon CA; Ueland PM; Vollset SE; Nygaard HA; Engedal K; Tell GS; Refsum H · Psychosomatic medicine · 2013
    Cross-sectional study1,935 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  36. Cognitive profile and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with specific learning disorder: a cross-sectional study.
    Balatacı U; Ay B · Frontiers in pediatrics · 2026
    Case-control study108 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  37. Association between vitamin B12 levels and cognitive impairment in older adults.
    Aguilar-Navarro SG; Carbajal-Silva JC; Palacios-Hernández MGI; Gutiérrez-Gutierrez LA; Ávila-Funes JA; Mimenza-Alvarado AJ · Gaceta medica de Mexico · 2023
    Cross-sectional study241 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  38. Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects.
    Mayer G; Kröger M; Meier-Ewert K · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 1997
    Randomized trial20 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  39. Prenatal vitamin B12 status and cognitive functioning in children at 4 years of age: The ECLIPSES Study.
    Cruz-Rodríguez J; Canals-Sans J; Hernández-Martínez C; Voltas-Moreso N; Arija V · Maternal & child nutrition · 2023
    Cohort study249 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  40. Dietary intakes and biomarker patterns of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can be associated with cognitive impairment by hypermethylation of redox-related genes NUDT15 and TXNRD1.
    An Y; Feng L; Zhang X; Wang Y; Wang Y; Tao L; Qin Z; Xiao R · Clinical epigenetics · 2020
    Cohort study2,533 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  41. Homocysteine, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12 blood levels in relation to cognitive performance: the Maine-Syracuse study.
    Elias MF; Robbins MA; Budge MM; Elias PK; Brennan SL; Johnston C; Nagy Z; Bates CJ · Psychosomatic medicine · 2008
    Cross-sectional study812 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  42. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  43. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  44. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  45. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  46. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  47. Vitamin C supplementation alleviates hypercortisolemia caused by chronic stress.
    Beglaryan N; Hakobyan G; Nazaretyan E · Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress · 2024
    Randomized trial69 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C
  48. Effect of Vitamin C on adrenal suppression by etomidate induction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial.
    Das D; Sen C; Goswami A · Annals of cardiac anaesthesia · 2017
    Randomized trial78 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C
  49. The impact of essential fatty acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation on stress levels in women: a systematic review.
    McCabe D; Lisy K; Lockwood C; Colbeck M · JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports · 2018
    Systematic review14 studies pooledStress Relief forVitamin C
  50. Exercise-induced oxidative stress before and after vitamin C supplementation.
    Alessio HM; Goldfarb AH; Cao G · International journal of sport nutrition · 1997
    Clinical trialStress Relief forVitamin C
  51. Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    de Oliveira IJ; de Souza VV; Motta V; Da-Silva SL · Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS · 2015
    Randomized trial42 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C