A new meta-analysis supports a connection, but a definitive clinical trial is needed
Is low folate a risk factor for depression?
by Bryant Furlow
EPI NEWS
August 20, 2007—Low levels of folate may contribute
to the risk of depression, according to a new meta-
analysis published by a team of epidemiologists at
the University of York in England. The team, led by
Simon Gilbody, analyzed data from 11 studies
examining the risk of depression and low folate levels.
Folate is also known as vitamin B9.
"Folate levels were lower in depression," notes
Gilbody. "There is accumulating evidence that low
folate status is associated with depression." He
cautions, however, that a "definitive" clinical trial is
still needed to test the therapeutic benefits of folate.
"The folate and depression story is very interesting,
but very complicated," notes Marshal Folstein of Tufts
University. "Although some treatment trials are
encouraging, our knowledge of classical nutritional
disorders of the nervous system suggests that
prevention of deficiency is a more certain tactic than
treatment of deficiency."
The meta-analysis was published in the July issue of
the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
epiNewswire identified no conflicts of interest for the
authors.
EPI NEWS
August 20, 2007—Low levels of folate may contribute
to the risk of depression, according to a new meta-
analysis published by a team of epidemiologists at
the University of York in England. The team, led by
Simon Gilbody, analyzed data from 11 studies
examining the risk of depression and low folate levels.
Folate is also known as vitamin B9.
"Folate levels were lower in depression," notes
Gilbody. "There is accumulating evidence that low
folate status is associated with depression." He
cautions, however, that a "definitive" clinical trial is
still needed to test the therapeutic benefits of folate.
"The folate and depression story is very interesting,
but very complicated," notes Marshal Folstein of Tufts
University. "Although some treatment trials are
encouraging, our knowledge of classical nutritional
disorders of the nervous system suggests that
prevention of deficiency is a more certain tactic than
treatment of deficiency."
The meta-analysis was published in the July issue of
the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
epiNewswire identified no conflicts of interest for the
authors.
Depression
| Further reading Gilbody, S, T Lightfoot, T Sheldon. 2007. Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta -analysis and exploration of heterogeneity. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 61(7):631-637. Folstein, M, et al. The homocysteine hypothesis of depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6): 861-867. |