Vitamin B supplements could help people suffering from depression.
by Paul Cribb, B.H.Sci HMS
AST Director of Research
Scientists have recently discovered that people with high blood levels of the compound homocysteine and low folate levels (a B vitamin) are more likely to suffer from depression. However, supplementation with B-group vitamins (such as folate) helps reduce depression.
The researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway also found that depression occurred more commonly in people with the T/T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype; a form of the gene that encodes a protein involved in processing folate. This is associated with poorer metabolism of this vitamin. The good news is that supplementation may help.
The scientists took blood samples from almost 6,000 adults and examined them for depression and anxiety. Those with high levels of homocysteine in their blood were almost twice as likely to be depressed, compared to people with the lowest blood levels of homocysteine.
The results also suggest in these people, folate in the blood may not be efficiently transported into cells, and supplementation may help. Previous research has linked folate deficiency and low folate status to depression, persistent depressive symptoms, and poor antidepressant response.
by Paul Cribb, B.H.Sci HMS
AST Director of Research
Scientists have recently discovered that people with high blood levels of the compound homocysteine and low folate levels (a B vitamin) are more likely to suffer from depression. However, supplementation with B-group vitamins (such as folate) helps reduce depression.
The researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway also found that depression occurred more commonly in people with the T/T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype; a form of the gene that encodes a protein involved in processing folate. This is associated with poorer metabolism of this vitamin. The good news is that supplementation may help.
The scientists took blood samples from almost 6,000 adults and examined them for depression and anxiety. Those with high levels of homocysteine in their blood were almost twice as likely to be depressed, compared to people with the lowest blood levels of homocysteine.
The results also suggest in these people, folate in the blood may not be efficiently transported into cells, and supplementation may help. Previous research has linked folate deficiency and low folate status to depression, persistent depressive symptoms, and poor antidepressant response.
