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People who suffer from depression might have problems metabolizing
folate, a B vitamin, and may benefit from folic acid supplements.
Researchers found that people with depression were more likely
to have high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is
a byproduct of metabolism, in their blood. Folic acid, which
is the form of folate in supplements, is known to play a role
in breaking down homocysteine.
Too little folate or a disturbed folate metabolism may partially
be the cause of depression in some people. Folate supplementation
may be effective in preventing depression, researchers said.
Archives
of General Psychiatry June, 2003;60(6):618-26
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