Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.Of the nutrients considered to have a role in the development and treatment of depression, folate is one of the most widely investigated.Twenty eight studies (eight case-control, 14 cross sectional, and six cohort studies) involving human subjects examining the link between folate and depression were reviewed.The body of data illustrates that low folate level, whether found through blood chemistry values or dietary analysis is associated with depression.The majority of the evidence comes from case-control and cross sectional studies.These studies have been very useful in establishing a relationship between folate and depression, it is now necessary to move beyond that point.Future research should be focused on the root cause of folate deficiency, once this is established it is necessary to examine possible treatment methodologies.Prospective studies and randomized-controlled trials examining therapeutic benefit of folate will be necessary to confirm or disprove a causal relationship between folate and depression.iii
Author: Charles D. Duda
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2601843367