Low folate and high homocysteine linked to depression

Recent research has found both low folate and high homocysteine levels to be linked to depressive symptoms in adults. Homocysteine is a marker of inflammation providing more clues into the underlying biomedical processes involved in the development of depression and other mood disorders. This is not the first time that depression has been linked to an underlying inflammatory disorder which is why omega-3 fats (which regulate inflammation) are often prescribed as a first stop in alternative health care.

It is vital if you suffer from depression to have the following blood tests:

Folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, lipogram, homocysteine, thyroid function, cortisol

If you are found to be low/high in any of the above, speak to a nutritional therapist about taking an integrated approach to your mood disorder. Diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplements (even alongside anti-depressants if your case is severe) can bring you long term results. Treat the cause and not just the symptom.