Vitamins and what not

During a previous visit to my med provider he suggested (and even prescribed) a version of folic acid to help with my depression. Unfortunately my insurance baulked at covering it. So, I kind of forgot about it for a while. And then I started feeling like crap again. This happens with me about every six months or so. It's almost like the medication stops working. So, after thinking about things for a while and doing some google searching, I decided to try taking just simple folic acid. My wife is pregnant so she gets a full supply of it. After just a couple days, what a difference.

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A study involving 3,000 middle-aged and elderly patients evaluated folic acid and B12 status in relation to depression. Those with the lowest levels of folic acid compared to those with the highest levels were twice as likely to be depressed. Those with the lowest levels of B12 were three times as likely to be depressed.
Folic acid and B12 are essential for nerve function. They are required for the methylation of gene signals upon which nervous system health depends. A lack of these nutrients invariably reduces optimal nerve function, whether depression occurs or not. The fact that depression is so common when they are lacking is something in which any stressed person should be aware. 
A high quality multiple vitamin and/or an extra B-complex, enough to support energy and mood, are simple basics for nervous system health.

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The association of depressive symptoms and folate deficiency has been known for five decades. Numerous studies have found low serum folate levels or low RBC folate concentrations in depressed patients (3, 4). Other studies suggested that low folate levels are associated with reduced response to antidepressants (3, 4), which in turn suggested that folic acid might be used to augment antidepressants. Coppen and Bailey (5) conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study of adjunctive folic acid (500 μg/day) added to fluoxetine at the beginning of treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. They found that adjunctive folic acid was effective in women but not in men. Resler et al. (6) also observed greater improvement with folic acid in 27 patients with major depression who were being treated with fluoxetine (20 mg/day) and were randomly assigned to receive to folic acid (10 mg/day) or placebo. Alpert et al. (7) noted modest improvement in depressive symptoms after they administered folinic acid in an open-label study to 22 patients who had failed to respond to 4 weeks of SSRI treatment. In those three studies, patients with major depression were selected without regard to folate deficiency.

In summary, the Papakostas et al. study suggests that l-methylfolate is a useful treatment for depression that has proved to be resistant to a course of SSRI treatment. Previous studies of folic acid, folinic acid, and l-methylfolate support this contention. l-Methylfolate was well tolerated and may be preferred by patients for that reason. It may be particularly helpful in patients with the TT genetic variant. The efficacy of l-methylfolate in resistant depression has not been compared with that of other adjunctive agents, nor has long-term use of the agent been reported in major depression. The potential value of long-term administration of l-methylfolate in individuals with recurrent depression and the genetic enzyme deficiency is particularly intriguing.


Here is a Men's Health article on the subject:

 Folic acid is the dietary form of vitamin B9 and is found primarily in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, beans and other legumes, liver, and yeast (including homebrewed alcohol and live yeast cultures). Folic acid is processed by the body into folate (the biologically active form) and plays a number of critical functions in sustaining human health. High blood levels of folate are particularly critical for women during the earliest phase of pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects.

As early as the 1970s, studies indicated that depressed psychiatric patients had significantly lower blood folate levels than non-depressed patients. More recently, a number of studies have delved deeper into this correlation. A 2003 study found that participants with a low dietary intake of folic acid had a 67 percent higher risk of developing depression than those with a high folic acid intake. In addition, depressed participants with a low folic acid intake had worse symptoms than depressed patients with a higher intake.

A large research review conducted by scientists from the University of York and Hull York Medical School found that in 11 separate studies involving a total of 15,315 participants, low blood levels of folate were significantly associated with higher rates of depression.

Men most affected

More recent studies have indicated, however, that vitamin B9 may actually only have a significant effect on mood in men, not in women.

In one study, conducted by researchers from the International Medical Center of Japan and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition and published in the journal Nutrition in 2007, researchers assessed the dietary intake and depressive symptoms of 517 adults of average age 43. While roughly equal percentages of male and female participants suffered from depression, higher blood folate levels were only associated with lower depression rates in men.

The effects of folate among men were striking, however. Those participants with the highest average vitamin B9 intake were 50 percent less likely to have symptoms of depression than men with the lowest intake.

"Although more research is needed to confirm the causality of the association, dietary modification to increase intake of folate may be an important strategy for the prevention of depression," the researchers wrote.

These findings were supported by a later study, conducted by researchers from the National Institute on Aging and published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2010. The researchers found that among 1,681 participants between the ages of 30 and 64, men with a higher vitamin B9 intake were significantly less likely to be depressed than those in the lower intake. No effect was seen in women. Notably, folate in men appeared to interact with the mood-boosting effects of a better diet in general.

"Depressive symptoms in our study may be alleviated by improving overall dietary quality, with plasma folate playing a potential mediating role only among men," the researchers concluded.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/039868_folate_mens_health_depression.html#ixzz2bF9IDM2p

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

 

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.PerwU76A.dpuf

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

 

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.PerwU76A.dpuf

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by KarenSchroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)
Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado
  

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/
  

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/
  

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.
  

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.PerwU76A.dpuf

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

 

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.PerwU76A.dpuf

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.6ypzaUMv.dpuf

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression? by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

En Español (Spanish Version)

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.6ypzaUMv.dpuf

Folic acid, also called folate, is famous for its role in preventing birth defects. But this B vitamin is also being researched for its effects on depression.
A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folic acid were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folic acid levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folic Acid and the Brain

Folic acid, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain.
For example, folic acid deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression.
Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression. For example, in one study, 127 people with severe depression were randomized to receive 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily or placebo along with their regular medicine (fluoxetine [Prozac]) for 10 weeks. The women in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. Interestingly enough, the men taking the folic acid did not have the same results. While it is hard to say exactly why this happened, the men may have needed a higher dose of folic acid to experience the benefits.
In another study, 909 older adults with mild depression where randomized to receive different treatments, including a group that took folic acid and vitamin B12 daily for two years. The evidence showed, though, that the two vitamins were no better than the placebo in improving depression.

Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment?

Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still emerging. It may be reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the vitamin is low.

The Bottom Line

If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:

• Fortified breakfast cerals
• Spinach
• Chickpeas, pinto beans, lima beans
• Papaya
• Avocado

Note: Do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida . Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of. It is just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

RESOURCES:

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill http://www.nami.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canada's Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
• Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca/

References

• Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2000;60:121-130.
• Depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 10, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated November 3, 2011. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 12, 2012.
• Gilbody S, Lightfoot T, Sheldon T. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(7):631-637.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated August 2011. Accessed April 29, 2010.
• Walker JG, Mackinnon AJ, Batterham P, et al. Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197(1):45-54.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/ConditionsAZ/Depression.aspx?ChunkID=40045#sthash.PerwU76A.dpuf