Vitamin C alleviates anxiety in autismVitamin C and Gallic Acid Ameliorate Motor Dysfunction, Cognitive Deficits, and Brain Oxidative Stress in a Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism.
Highly relevant to autism research
We set out to explore how vitamin C influences anxiety-like behaviors in a model of autism caused by valproic acid (VPA). In our study, we used fourteen female rats that underwent specific treatments to induce autism in their offspring. After a period of observation, we treated male pups with daily injections of vitamin C for four weeks. Then, we assessed their behavior to see if there were any changes in anxiety levels.
Our findings suggested that vitamin C significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in these rats. This outcome is particularly promising considering that autism often brings associated anxiety. By measuring various brain oxidative stress markers, we also noted improvements in mental functioning and motor skills after vitamin C treatment. Overall, our work underscores the potential benefits of vitamin C as a supportive treatment for anxiety-related issues in autism, indicating a pathway for future research and therapeutic strategies.
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