Posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 17:24:52
This is old news, but I thought it might reinforce the findings of others.
I think it is important to take into consideration that no causal relationship has been established. However, it can't hurt to increase folate and reduce homocysteine.
- Scott
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Journal of PsychopharmacologyPublished in Association with:
British Association for Psychopharmacology
Editors David J Nutt University of Bristol, UK
Pierre Blier University of Ottawa, Canada
Volume 19 Issue 01 - Publication Date: 01/2005
Treatment of depression
Alec Coppen and Christina Bolander-Gouaille , MRC Neuropsychiatric Research Laboratory, Epsom, Surrey, UK;Pharmacist, Helsingborg, SwedenWe review the findings in major depression of a low plasma and particularly red cell folate, but also of low vitamin B&#sub12; status. Both low folate and low vitamin B&#sub12; status have been found in studies of depressive patients, and an association between depression and low levels of the two vitamins is found in studies of the general population. Low plasma or serum folate has also been found in patients with recurrent mood disorders treated by lithium. A link between depression and low folate has similalrly been found in patients with alcoholism. It is interesting to note that Hong Kong and Taiwan populations with traditional Chinese diets (rich in folate), including patients with major depression, have high serum folate concentrations. However, these countries have very low life time rates of major depression. Low folate levels are furthermore linked to a poor response to antidepressants, and treatment with folic acid is shown to improve response to antidepressants. A recent study also suggests that high vitamin B&#sub12; status may be associated with better treatment outcome. Folate and vitamin B&#sub12; are major determinants of one-carbon metabolism, in which S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is formed. SAM donates methyl groups that are crucial for neurological function. Increased plasma homocysteine is a functional marker of both folate and vitamin B&#sub12; deficiency. Increased homocysteine levels are found in depressive patients. In a large population study from Norway increased plasma homocysteine was associated with increased risk of depression but not anxiety. There is now substantial evidence of a common decrease in serum/red blood cell folate, serum vitamin B&#sub12; and an increase in plasma homocysteine in depression. Furthermore, the MTHFR C677T polymorphism that impairs the homocysteine metabolism is shown to be overrepresented among depressive patients, which strengthens the association. On the basis of current data, we suggest that oral doses of both folic acid (800g daily) and vitamin B&#sub12; (1mg daily) should be tried to improve treatment outcome in depression.
poster:SLS
thread:447594
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050101/msgs/447594.html