Consumer Site

Nutrition & Mental Health

Priming the brain for an optimal response to antidepressants

How Nutrition Affects Mood, Mental Health & More

Poor nutrition can disrupt critical biochemical processes, leading to imbalances in neurotransmitter function, immune response, hormone regulation, blood sugar control, and the gut-brain axis—all of which are linked to mood disturbances and mental health.

Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as folate, are commonly observed in individuals with depression, as folate plays a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis and overall brain function.

Folate and Depression

Folate deficiency can disrupt neurotransmission increase oxidative stress, and contribute to neuroinflammation.

Genetic Factors4

An MTHFR polymorphism in 70% of people with depression impairs their ability to convert folic acid to L-methylfolate.

Medication4, 7-9

Various medications may impact folate levels such as antimicrobials, anti-epileptics, and oral contraceptives.

Comorbidities9

Diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and hypothyroidism.

Aging7, 10

Decreasing levels of folate with increasing age in depression.

Lifestyle & Environment7, 9, 11

Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, and pregnancy.

Weight6

Increased body mass index may be associated with reduced folate levels.

The Targeted Nutrition of Deplin®

Deplin® offers Deplin FC™, a free & clear formula that provides 15mg of L-methylfolate, essential for neurotransmitter synthesis (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) and glutamate modulation, optimizing brain neurochemistry and helping patients get the most from their antidepressant.1, 4, 5
See Product Info

Active Folate vs. Synthetic Folic Acid

Deplin FC™ contains L-methylfolate, a biologically active form of folate that can cross the blood-brain barrier in one step.5 It’s up to 7 times more bioavailable at peak than synthetic folic acid.13 L-methylfolate is recommended to be added to a primary treatment for mild to moderate major depressive disorder.16, 17

More Resources
Become a Prescriber

DEPLIN FC™ is a medical food specially formulated to meet the distinctive nutritional requirements for neurotransmitter imbalances in the clinical dietary management of depression and schizophrenia. Use under medical supervision.

†Deplin FC™ (FC for “free & clear”) is free from major allergens: milk, eggs, fish or shellfish, sesame, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.

*Based on US dollar sales through IQVIA NSP reporting channels from January 2023 – December 2024 of branded medical foods indicated for Depression.

  1. Liwinski T, Lang UE. Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3859.
  2. Mrozek W, et al. Nutrition. 2023:112143.
  3. Papakostas G, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169:1267-1274.
  4. Lam NSK, et al. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2022;146:112541.
  5. Fava M, Mischoulon D. J Clin Psychiatry.2009;70(suppl 5):12-17.
  6. Nakazato M. et al.Eur J Nutr. 2011; 50:581–585.
  7. Ginsberg LD, et al.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):19-28.
  8. Sobczynska-Malefora A. et al.Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2009;20(4):297-302.
  9. Stahl SM et al. J ClinPsychiatry. 2008;69(9):1352-1353.
  10. Petridou ET et al.Aging Ment Health. 2015;8:1-9.
  11. Beaudin AE, et al.BirthDefects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2009 Apr;85(4):274-84
  12. Zajecka JM, et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016 ;77(5) :654-660.
  13. Willems FF et al.Br J Pharmacol.2004;141(5):825-830.
  14. Stahl SM. CNS Spectr 2007;12(10):739-44.