New research suggests that decreased intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid may be related to the development of depression.
In the United States, approximately 15.7 percent of adults report being diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime. Females are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, as the prevalence rises to 20.2 percent in this group.
A new study investigated the association between depression and the dietary intake of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. In this study, 9,670 subjects were given a food frequency questionnaire to evaluate the amounts of these three vitamins consumed in their diets. The subjects were also evaluated for the prevalence of depression, smoking habits, alcohol intake, physical activity and personality traits.
The study found that women with the highest vitamin B12 intake had a 32-42 percent lower risk of developing depression. In men, those with low levels of anxiety and who were currently smokers showed a correlation between low folate intake and the development of depression. The study showed an almost 3-fold increase in the risk of depression in the men with the lowest folic acid intake when compared to the men with the highest folate intake.
The study authors concluded, "Low folate intake was associated with depression among currently smoking men and men with low anxiety levels. Low intake of vitamin B12 was associated with depression among women. No significant associations were found for vitamin B6 intake."
Reference:
SÃnchez-Villegas A, Doreste J, Schlatter J, Pla J, Bes-Rastrollo M, MartÃnez-GonzÃlez MA. Association between folate, vitamin B(6) and vitamin B(12) intake and depression in the SUN cohort study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2009 Apr;22(2):122-33.