Research Investigates Whether Vitamin Folate Helps To Treat Depression

[Guest guest]

Research Investigates Whether Vitamin Folate Helps To Treat

Depression

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=61830

New research commissioned by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment

(HTA) programme is looking into whether the vitamin folate can help

in the treatment of depression. One in five people experience

depression during their lives and only half of these people respond

to antidepressant treatment.

Folate, a vitamin found in foods such as green vegetables, helps to

produce chemicals that regulate brain functions, including mood,

sleep and appetite. A Cochrane review concluded that folate may have

a role as a supplement to other treatments for depression, but the

evidence is limited and primary research is needed to test this.

" Antidepressants work by improving the way certain chemical

messengers work in the brain and folate helps produce the chemicals

needed for this process, " says Professor Ian of the

University of Wales Bangor.

" Low levels of folate from a poor diet or similar factors could

worsen depression and stop antidepressants from working optimally. "

Researchers in Wales led by Professor are set to conduct the

biggest randomised controlled trial of its kind to test whether a

folate tablet taken daily by people with depression will help their

antidepressants to work better. In addition to their

antidepressants, participants will be given either a folate tablet

or a dummy tablet for three months. Researchers will ask them about

the effect this has on their depression, and take blood samples to

corroborate this.

" We welcome this research initiative into the potential of folate to

enhance the effect of anti-depressant medication, " says

Foyster, Director of Mind Cymru. " If the research proves folate to

be efficacious then an easily acquired simple supplement or an

informed improvement in diet could make a significant contribution

to the self management of depression. "

For more information visit: http://www.hta.ac.uk/project.asp?

PjtId=1537