Study Focuses on the Relationship between Folate and Depression

Based in South Florida, Naval Parikh, MD, is a respected internal medicine physician in private practice. He also facilitates clinical trials at NAPA Research. Widely published in his field, Naval Parikh, MD, is the author of “Role of Folate on Depression: A Shift from Folate Replacement to Folate Supplementation” (Molecular Medicine Journal, Vol. 6, 74-76).

A Harvard Mental Health Letter detailed the role of folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, in treating psychiatric symptoms such as depression. Folate is found naturally in citrus, leafy green vegetables, and beans. Found naturally in citrus, leafy green vegetables, and beans, folate is also required at a certain level by pregnant women to mitigate miscarriage and birth-defect risks. 

Working in tandem with vitamins B12 and B6, folate works to break down homocysteine, an amino acid that, when found in high levels, has links with depression and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, breaking down homocysteine produces SAMe, which in an important component of brain cells. Deficiencies of SAMe are associated with depression. 

One issue for some people is that they harbor a variant gene that prevents the folate in their diet from being fully synthesized and used. One study has suggested that having this variant increases risks of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. In addition, low levels of folate in the blood can make antidepressant drugs less effective.

Research Shows Folic Acid May Help Ease Depression

A board-certified physician in private practice in Boca Raton, Florida, Naval Parikh, MD, also serves as the clinical site coordinator for NAPA Research. A frequent presenter to physician groups, Naval Parikh, MD, has published articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics such as the relationship between folate supplementation and depression. 

While many people associate folic acid intake with pregnancy, research shows that folate is a critical vitamin throughout life. Folic acid is needed to produce DNA and RNA, and it also serves as an essential component of neurotransmitters, which enable messages to be communicated through different parts of the brain. 

People who are deficient in folic acid generally have low levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is associated with depressive symptoms. A recent review of 11 studies that included 15,315 people revealed that low folic acid levels were linked with depression. This finding has led researchers to believe that increasing folic acid intake will trigger an increase in SAMe, which may lead to a reduction in depressive symptoms. 

However, depression is a complicated illness that generally requires more than one treatment. Those who think they are experiencing depression should seek medical advice and therapy in addition to considering an increase in folic acid intake.