Folate Plays a Role in Neurotransmitter Production1
Copyright ©2008 Stephen M. Stahl. Reproduced with the permission of Cambridge University Press.5
Folate, when metabolized into active L-methylfolate, crosses the blood-brain barrier and is thought to help stimulate production of essential neurotransmitters.1-6
L-methylfolate helps enhance the production of 3 key neurotransmitters. This stimulated production is important because many antidepressants require a sufficient amount of neurotransmitters associated with mood.1-3,5,7
Copyright ©2008 Stephen M. Stahl. Reproduced with the permission of Cambridge University Press.5
Some patients have an impaired ability to fully metabolize folate
Age, medications, lifestyle, nutrition, and other health-related factors may affect folate or one-carbon metabolism8
MTHFR polymorphisms are associated with a decrease in folate concentrations, which may lead to an increased risk of depressive symptoms. MTHFR polymorphisms also may compromise the ability to convert folic acid into the active form, L-methylfolate, that helps support monoamine regulation which helps to improve mood.9
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References: 1. Stahl SM. CNS Spectr. 2007;12(10):739-744. 2. Bottiglieri T. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2005;29(7):1103-1112. 3. Spector R, Lorenzo AV. Am J Physiol. 1975;229(3):777-782. 4. Papakostas GI, Shelton RC, Zajecka JM, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169(12):1267-1274. 5. Stahl SM. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69(9):1352-1353. 6. DEPLIN [package insert]. Shreveport, LA: Alfasigma USA, Inc. 2024. 7. Belmaker RH, Agam G. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(1):55-68. 8. Ginsberg LD, Oubre AY, Daoud YA. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):19-28. 9. Kelly CB, McDonnell AP, Johnston TG, et al. J Psychopharmacol. 2004;18(4):567-571. 10. Gilbody S, Lewis S, Lightfoot T. Am J Epidemiol. 2007;165(1):1-13.