Folic Acid May Help Depression

BOSTON--Researchers from Tufts University reported finding a link between depression and folate status, and folic acid supplementation may be key in recovering from depression. The findings were presented in the March/April edition of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (72, 2:80-7, 2003).

In a study using an ethnically diverse general U.S. population sample of 15- to 39-year-olds, 3,000 people who either had no depression, major depression or dysthymia (mild, chronic depression) had their folate red blood cell concentrations measured, as well as folate and total homocysteine serum levels. Those with major depression had folate serum and red blood cell concentrations that were lower than those who had never been depressed. Dysthymia subjects had lower red blood cell folate concentrations than never-depressed subjects, but serum folate concentrations between the two groups were similar. Interestingly, low folate status was still found in subjects recently recovered from depression. Serum homocysteine levels were not found to be related to depression.

The authors, led by Martha Morris, Ph.D., concluded, "Folate supplementation may be indicated during the year following a depressive episode."