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Review confirms association between depression and folate deficiency
A review published in the July, 2007 issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health determined that reduced folate, a member of the B vitamin complex, is associated with a greater risk of depression. Although the relationship had been previously observed in a number of studies, the association was not considered conclusive.
Dr Simon Gilbody and colleagues at the University of York and Hull York Medical School in England selected three case-control studies (in which patients diagnosed with depression were compared with a control population), seven population surveys, and one cohort study with a fifteen year follow-up period for the meta-analysis. The cohort study and one cross-sectional survey determined low folate from dietary records, while the remainder used serum or red blood cell folate levels.
The studies included a total of 15,315 participants, 1,769 of whom were diagnosed with depression. Adjusted analysis found that low folate status was associated with a 42 percent greater depression risk.
Folate is necessary for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from homocysteine, as well as for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which could help explain its effect on mood. Previous research conducted by the team determined that depressed individuals frequently have a gene that causes less efficient processing of folate.
"Our study is unique in that for the first time all the relevant evidence in this controversial area has been brought together," Dr Gilbody commented. "Although the research does not prove that low folate causes depression, we can now be sure that the two are linked. Interestingly, there is also some trial evidence that suggests folic acid supplements can benefit people with depression. We recommend that large trials should be carried out to further test this suggestion."
A review published in the July, 2007 issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health determined that reduced folate, a member of the B vitamin complex, is associated with a greater risk of depression. Although the relationship had been previously observed in a number of studies, the association was not considered conclusive.
Dr Simon Gilbody and colleagues at the University of York and Hull York Medical School in England selected three case-control studies (in which patients diagnosed with depression were compared with a control population), seven population surveys, and one cohort study with a fifteen year follow-up period for the meta-analysis. The cohort study and one cross-sectional survey determined low folate from dietary records, while the remainder used serum or red blood cell folate levels.
The studies included a total of 15,315 participants, 1,769 of whom were diagnosed with depression. Adjusted analysis found that low folate status was associated with a 42 percent greater depression risk.
Folate is necessary for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from homocysteine, as well as for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which could help explain its effect on mood. Previous research conducted by the team determined that depressed individuals frequently have a gene that causes less efficient processing of folate.
"Our study is unique in that for the first time all the relevant evidence in this controversial area has been brought together," Dr Gilbody commented. "Although the research does not prove that low folate causes depression, we can now be sure that the two are linked. Interestingly, there is also some trial evidence that suggests folic acid supplements can benefit people with depression. We recommend that large trials should be carried out to further test this suggestion."
