How Folate and a Genetic Mutation Can Impact Depression Risk

Research has linked folate deficiencies to depression. According to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, one-third of depression patients were deficient. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is available in foods like dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, nuts, beans, and whole grains. The vitamin is critical in breaking down the food we eat and converting it into energy. Our bodies need it to make DNA and RNA as well as amino acids, which help maintain all of our living cells. This B vitamin is especially significant for stabilizing our mood. Why are so many of us deficient? Up to 40 percent of the general population can’t convert folate to its active form, methylfolate, because we have a gene mutation in our methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme. As such, this makes it difficult for certain antidepressants to work. In fact, in his book The UltraMind Solution, Mark Hyman, MD, claims that people with a low folate level only have a 7 percent response to treatment with antidepressants. The blood test to determine whether or not you have an MTHFR mutation is fairly simple. I just found out that I am part of the club, which may be why my response to antidepressants hasn’t been all that dramatic. Supplementing with L-methyfolate, a bioavailable form of folate that plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, can improve a person’s response to antidepressant medications. In fact, several studies have documented the enhanced efficacy ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Alternative and Nutritional Supplements Depression Personal Research Antidepressant B Vitamins Folic acid gene mutation L-methylfolate Levomefolic Acid Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Source Type: blogs