Some people who suffer from depression seem to have a form of it that is seemingly resistant to treatment, but what if these people were simply deficient in folate? Methyl folate (L-methylfolate) is the bioactive form of folate (vitamin B9) and plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter synthesis, particularly in the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It has been studied as an adjunct treatment for depression, especially in individuals with folate metabolism issues.
How Methyl Folate May Help with Depression
1. Supports Neurotransmitter Production – Methyl folate is necessary for converting homocysteine to methionine, which is used to produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is essential for neurotransmitter function, including serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to mood regulation.
2. Addresses Folate Deficiency – Folate deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of depression. Low folate levels can impair neurotransmitter production and reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants.
3. May Benefit People with MTHFR Mutations – Some people have genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), which makes it difficult for them to convert folic acid into its active form, leading to lower methyl folate levels. Individuals with this mutation may have a higher risk of depression and may benefit from L-methylfolate supplementation.
4. Enhances Antidepressant Effectiveness – Research suggests that L-methylfolate can enhance the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in people with treatment-resistant depression.
Who Might Benefit from Methyl Folate?
• Those with treatment-resistant depression
• Individuals with folate deficiency (due to poor diet, malabsorption, or medication interactions)
• People with the MTHFR gene mutation
• Pregnant women (folate is essential for fetal brain development)
Considerations and Side Effects
• Dosing: Typical doses range from 7.5 mg to 15 mg daily for depression, but it should be taken under medical supervision.
• Side Effects: Can include headaches, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia in some people, especially if dosed too high.
• Interactions: Can interact with certain medications, including anticonvulsants and methotrexate.
If you suspect that you may have issues with your folate levels or possibly need to be checked for the MTHFR gene, then ask your doctor. Here is a brief look at these two tests:
1. Folate Level Testing
A serum folate test measures folate levels in the blood and can help determine if a deficiency is contributing to depression or other health issues.
• Test Type: Blood test
• Normal Range: Typically >3 ng/mL, but optimal levels for mental health may be higher.
• Low Folate Causes: Poor diet, alcohol consumption, digestive disorders (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s), or certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, anticonvulsants).
• Where to Get It: Doctor’s office, lab testing services (Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics), or at-home test kits.
2. MTHFR Gene Mutation Testing
The MTHFR genetic test checks for mutations in the MTHFR gene, which affect folate metabolism. The most common mutations are:
• C677T – Associated with higher homocysteine levels and increased depression risk.
• A1298C – May affect neurotransmitter production but is less strongly linked to high homocysteine.
• Test Type: Blood or saliva test
• Where to Get It:
• Through a doctor (covered by some insurance plans if medically necessary)
• Direct-to-consumer services (e.g., 23andMe, Myriad Genetics, Genova Diagnostics)
• Functional medicine labs
What to Do If You Have an MTHFR Mutation? If you test positive for an MTHFR mutation, you may benefit from L-methylfolate supplementation instead of folic acid, B12 (methylcobalamin) supplementation to support methylation, reducing processed foods with synthetic folic acid, and monitoring homocysteine levels, as high homocysteine can increase cardiovascular risk. Working closely with health specialists when it comes to depression is always the best choice, especially since depression can require a multifactorial approach to treat.
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com
