5 Fantastic Adrenal Supplements

Laura Lewis, MS

Support When You’re Stressed

There is some controversy around the term “adrenal fatigue” as it is hard to define or diagnose. In fact, much of Western medicine doesn’t recognize this diagnosis. However, the phenomenon of chronic stress taking a toll on the body is very real to those experiencing it. Maybe you believe you are suffering from “adrenal fatigue”, or maybe you just feel run down from too much stress. Either way, we have some suggestions for nutritional support in the form of adrenal supplements.* 

As the adrenal glands are responsible for the production and release of stress hormones. It follows then, that they can overworked by stress levels that stay high for an extended period of time. For some, this adrenal fatigue presents as a persistent feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with sleep. Others notice changes in appetite and weight, and some experience a general “burnt-out” feeling and apathy.* 

Luckily, we can support healthy function of the adrenal glands with nutrition (e.g. adrenal supplements), and small lifestyle changes.* 

Adrenal Supplements

In order to make and metabolize hormones like cortisol, the body needs building blocks for the hormone molecules. It also need energy to power production, and the ability to recover from cellular damage caused by stress. Adrenal supplements contain nutrients that support adrenal function by providing building blocks, cellular energy, and antioxidants for repair.* 

Vitamin C for Adrenal Support*

In most mammals, the stress response is characterized by activation of the HPA axis and the adrenal glands, as well as the increased synthesis and secretion of vitamin C. [1] Cortisol, catecholamines, and vitamin C work to increase blood flow, maintain immune function, and prevent and repair damage from oxidative stress. Humans (and anthropoid apes) have lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C. We need vitamin C from our diet, in sufficient quantities, to maintain a healthy stress response.* 

The adrenal glands contain one of the body’s highest concentrations of vitamin C. If there is any kind of deficiency in the diet, the adrenals suffer. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the synthesis of adrenal hormones. It is also a cofactor for cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.* 

One of the effects of “adrenal fatigue” is immune response. Vitamin C can support your immune system and support healthy cytokine response.* 

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, can trigger or aggravate “adrenal fatigue.” Vitamin C can aid in reducing oxidative stress and limit the action of the stress hormone, cortisol.* 

Evidence from human clinical trials has shown that oral vitamin C can help balance blood pressure, cortisol levels, and subjective responses to psychological stress. [1] It has also been shown to support mood and quell occasional anxious feelings.* [2] 

Glutathione for Adrenal Support*

While vitamin C works on an extracellular level, glutathione works on an intracellular level. Glutathione has been referred to as “the master antioxidant” as it recharges or recycles other antioxidants. Once vitamin C has donated electrons to free radicals, glutathione can enable vitamin C to donate again, extending its life as an antioxidant.* 

Your body does make glutathione naturally, but under certain conditions, such as stress, glutathione production drops. A supplement is a terrific way to support circulating levels of glutathione when your body needs it but can’t make enough.* 
Glutathione is also an excellent detoxifier. It supports the clearance of toxic metabolites, xenobiotics, lead, mercury, and pesticides at the cellular level.* [3] 

MetaCalm® for Adrenal Support*

If you’re interested in a formula containing lots of nutrients that support the body in times of stress, look no further than MetaCalm®. Among other nutrients, MetaCalm® contains vitamin C, methylfolate (vitamin B-9), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, inositol, magnesium, GABA, taurine, and L-theanine. Together, these nutrients are not just designed for recovery and repair, but also to support relaxation systems and a sense of calm in the body.* 

We’ve already boasted the powers of vitamin C for stress and adrenal health, but vitamin B vitamins are extremely important too. Your body uses B vitamins at a faster rate when you are stressed, and therefore intake requirements are higher. [4] Vitamin B-12, specifically, plays a role in the adrenal gland’s cortisol response to stress, and likely must be replenished in case of “adrenal fatigue”.* [4] 

Inositol is a relative of B-complex vitamins, and it helps to relieve tension and to encourage better sleep.* [5] It is also supports mood.* [5] Inositol is naturally found in fresh produce, red meat, and whole grains, but because a lot of it can be in the form of fiber, it is sometimes not fully absorbed. Supplementation is, in theory, a great way to bypass this issue.* 

Subclinical magnesium deficiency is one of the most prevalent mineral deficiencies, affecting over half of the adult population in the US.* [6] Because it is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, and it is involved in the utilization of cellular energy, deficiency should be avoided if possible.* 

It may seem counterintuitive because magnesium deficiency can leave you feeling fatigued. But magnesium supplementation can also help in the evenings to calm your body in preparation for sleep.* [7] It is involved in your body’s natural relaxation pathways. It can help tense muscles release, which makes it a great stress support and adrenal supplement.* 

PS-100 for Adrenal Support*

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an element of nerve cell production and it’s often taken for cognitive support.* It can also help manage cortisol levels when the body is under stress.* [8] It is especially useful to support falling asleep (sleep latency) due to high nighttime cortisol.* 

The dosage frequency can be challenging, as, for many, multiple doses timed throughout the day are necessary, depending on how fast the body metabolizes this chemical.* Talk to your healthcare practitioner about finding the right supplementation regimen for you

Probiotics for Adrenal Support*

While not specific to adrenal support, probiotics are a fantastic way to support your general health.* The balance of the gut’s microbiome can be affected and may even be common in “adrenal fatigue,” as gut flora is very sensitive to both stress hormones and unhealthy diets.* 

When the gut’s microbiome is challenged, other systems tends to follow taking away needed energy and attention from the recovery of the adrenal glands and stress response system. A healthy gut biome produces nutrients and supports healthy cytokine responses, and a healthy gut can better absorb nutrition for energy and repair.* [9,10] 

You can get probiotics from fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplement to help balance the microbiome with interactions of specific strains of beneficial microbes in the gut.* 

Lifestyle Tips for Adrenal Support

If you are experiencing “adrenal fatigue” or burnout from persistent stress, the best thing you can do is minimize some of the stressors or what is referred to as reducing the allostatic load. Take some time to really think (maybe journal) about what is stressful in your life and assess where you can feasibly make some changes.  

Pair-down your Commitments

Some commitments cannot be removed. But when reasonable and practical, elective commitments can take a temporary or even permanent backburner It may be reasonable, however, to add some activities, often creative activities versus consumption activities, that help relieve or balance out some of the stress that is common in modern life. 

Connection for Adrenal Support

Connection, friendship, or social interaction with people who calm us or bring joy is so important for mental health. [11] If you don’t have any good friends nearby, try signing up for a class or recreational activity where you will meet peers with similar interests. 

Even a regularly scheduled video chat with a friend can be something to look forward to on a weekly basis. It can promote similar neurotransmission to real-life hangouts. 

Exercise for Adrenal Support

Regular exercise is important for multiple aspects of your health, adrenal health included. It may seem counter-intuitive to recommend physical activity if you are already tired, but in fact, placing controlled demands on your systems is important in order to adapt to further stressors. Exercise is a natural stress reliever, as it decreases cortisol levels and boosts endorphins. [12] Endorphins can help decrease discomfort in the body and improve your mood.  As endorphins increase, your stress levels decrease. [13] So, while you may be feeling tired from your “adrenal fatigue,” exercise can actually help your energy during the day. It can also give you a more restful night’s sleep at night. 

Healthy Emoting for Adrenal Support

Of course, no amount of exercise or nutrition can rid you of the stress caused by your thoughts and emotions. If you are having trouble managing toxic thought patterns, resentment, or overwhelming emotions, working with a therapist may be an essential part of your adrenal recovery. You can start right now, however, practicing mindfulness, gratitude, journaling, and creating art. These are all fantastic ways to release emotion on your own. 

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.

Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.

Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.