Posted by Rick on January 24, 2002, at 22:05:28
In reply to Re: Omega-3for the Unipolar's-quid-pro-quo for advice, posted by btrout on January 24, 2002, at 16:19:25
Interesting ideas.
According to studies, folic acid has indeed been shown to be of potential benefit in mental disorders, usually in tandem with other meds or supplements. But anything over 1000 mcg (1 mg) can *potentially* lead to adverse side effects. And following the 1999 (?) U.S. government mandate of folate fortification of a wide variety of foods, folic acid deficiency has plummeted to nearly zilch according to studies, and supplementation (e.g., to lower homocysteine in tandem with B6 and B12) should be adjusted accordingly.
Megadoses, in particular, can be potentially problematic. Large doses of folate can destroy vitamin B12, which is essential for mental and physical health. Here is the folic acid "adverse effects" section from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, which is an evidence-based book/site edited by pharmacists:
Adverse Reactions:
Orally, high doses of folic acid can cause altered sleep patterns, vivid dreaming, irritability, excitability, overactivity, confusion, impaired judgment, exacerbation of seizure frequency and psychotic behavior, nausea, abdominal distention, flatulence, bitter taste in the mouth, allergic skin reactions, and zinc depletion (14,15). In one study, these effects were observed after administration of 15 mg per day for 30 days. Large doses of folic acid can also precipitate or exacerbate neuropathy in people deficient in vitamin B12 (6243). Allergic reactions have occurred rarely. Symptoms have included rash, erythema, itching, malaise, and bronchospasm. An anaphylactic reaction has been reported in one patient receiving intravenous folic acid. Use of folic acid for undiagnosed anemia has masked the symptoms of pernicious anemia, resulting in lack of treatment and eventual neurological damage (15). Patients should be warned to not self-treat suspected anemia.Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
ZINC: Chronic administration of folic acid can decrease zinc levels (14,15).
VITAMIN B12: Long-term use of folic acid can deplete levels of vitamin B12 (15).
> Hi, PaulB.
> I am also interested in nutrition as a way of helping my depression. You might want to try a LOT of folic acid. I found that even before I had started any medications that 5-10mg (400_mcg_ is a regular dose) helped my insomnia at night enormously. Instead of being hot and cold and waking up frequently, I could most relax and sleep through the night. A recent study showed that the women who were given prozac plus folic acid in large enough quantities to reduce their homocysteine (a molecule which causes heart disease and is kept in check by folic acid, B-6 and B-12) had a 93% response versus a 60% response rate with prozac alone. The dose for the folic acid in this study was 800mcg. It was hypothesized that only the women showed this disparity in response because the dose was not high enough for the men. Folic acid levels are often low in those with depression.
>
> I am working on a very interesting theory involving the level of calcium ions inside the cell. An excessive level of calcium inside the cell is associated with both affective disorders and immune hyperactivity, which is itself associated with depression. I am looking into some pretty simple substances whihc both reduce intracellular calcium and down-regulate immune response. One possible reason that Omega-3 fatty might help is because they can down-regulate inflammatory immune response.
>
> Folic might help with depression because homocysteine is an agent that causes intracellular calcium to rise.
> I have a lot more information about this research, but I don't want to overwhelm you.
> One example: Seasonal Affective disorder occurs when the body's store of Vitamin D is lowest. One study showed that giving Vitamin D had a greater impact on patients' depression than light therapy. There is an enzyme called calbindin that plays a major role in keeping calcium ions from accumulating inside the cell. This enzyme is dependant on Vitamin D.
> IF you (or anyone) wants to know more, please let me know.
>
> btrout
poster:Rick
thread:91297
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91485.html