Primary Care Alternative Medicine

Folate Deficiency and Depression

July 29, 2009

Posted in: Folate & Depression

In these tough times, many people are under constant stress and it’s easy to get down in the dumps. Now we know it’s not “just in your head.” Prolonged stress can deplete vitamins and nutrients we need to feel good. Not enough of the crucial vitamin folate can cause depression, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, and even dementia.

A recent article in Alternative Medicine Review (2008, Vol. 13, pp. 216-226) highlighted that one third of people with depression are deficient in the vitamin folic acid, also known as folate. Among many important roles in metabolism, folate is a required cofactor needed to make the body’s natural anti-depressants. New studies also show that anti-depressant medications, which can fail to help depression in up to 60% of cases, will work better if a person gets enough folate. 

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin. Once in the bloodstream, folate is converted to L-methylfolate which turns the amino acid metabolite homocysteine into methionine. A form of methionine called S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is needed to make serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. These are the “feel-good” brain chemicals which regulate mood. Without enough folate, the body can’t produce these and we experience mood difficulties.

During these stressful times, it’s important to be sure you are getting adequate amounts of folate. Healthy sources can be found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, beans, liver, citrus, and yeast. However, the body only absorbs about half the folate from the food we eat. For some patients, higher levels are needed to correct deficiency and reestablish optimal functioning. To treat folate deficiency at Primary Care Alternative Medicine, we use highly absorbable folic acid injections or oral supplements.

To learn more about natural treatment options for depression, call Primary Care Alternative Medicine at (207) 699-4199. Schedule your FREE 15-Minute Consultation with Dr. Sarah Kotzur today!