Monday, July 02, 2007
Low Folate = Depression
Researchers at the University of York and Hull York Medical School have confirmed that that while low folate does not cause depression, the two are linked.
The reason behind it is that folate is linked to the production of some of the "feel good" chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, and some people with depression commonly have a gene that processes folate less efficiently.
The current RDA for folate is 400 micrograms in women (and men) 19 and older, though its higher for those pregnant and breastfeeding. Foods high in folic acid: Leafy vegetables such as spinach and turnip greens, dried beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate, as well as liver.
The reason behind it is that folate is linked to the production of some of the "feel good" chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, and some people with depression commonly have a gene that processes folate less efficiently.
The current RDA for folate is 400 micrograms in women (and men) 19 and older, though its higher for those pregnant and breastfeeding. Foods high in folic acid: Leafy vegetables such as spinach and turnip greens, dried beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate, as well as liver.
Labels: depression, folate, nutrition
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