We explored the effects of vitamin D3 on anxiety levels in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. In our study, we used a total of 40 male Wistar rats, dividing them into five groups to analyze various treatments. These groups included a control group, a stress group, and groups receiving either vitamin D3, fluoxetine (an antidepressant), or a combination of both.
The chronic mild stress model we applied involved exposing the rats to different physical and social stressors over 21 days. Throughout the study, we monitored changes in behavior through established tests, such as the sucrose preference test and the forced swimming test, while also measuring stress hormone levels.
Our findings revealed that vitamin D3 had a protective effect against anxiety and depressive behaviors similar to fluoxetine, particularly in certain behavioral tests. In groups receiving vitamin D3, we observed lower levels of stress hormone corticosterone compared to those only exposed to stress.
Overall, we concluded that vitamin D3 can offer significant support against anxiety when faced with stress. While it was effective, we noted that the combination with fluoxetine complicates isolating the specific impact of vitamin D3 alone.