|  Methylfolate for Depression

Methylfolate for Depression

Category: Natural Solutions 3 Comments January 20, 2013

depressionHere is a mainstream study advocating the use of a special form of the B vitamin, folic acid. How does it work? To make neurotransmitters, we need methyl groups. If we don’t make methyl groups due to a genetic variation (could be as high as 30% of the population), we have trouble making neurotransmitters, and can become depressed. The solution? take methylfolate! It’s included in my Brain Recovery AM/PM packets and in Better Balance 2-a-Day multivitamins. Take that along with the requisite amino acids (also contained in Brain Recovery packets) and then you likely won’t even need an antidepressant.

3 Responses to Methylfolate for Depression

  1. Rebecca Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 5:47 am

    Thank you!! This is completely the answer I wanted! I think this sounds great and I need it. I’m so happy I found your site. Wonderful!

  2. Rebecca Reply

    March 17, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    I am taking both Cymbalta and Tegretol. Could I take methylfolate or yet another supplement? I want to feel good — happy, motivated, and energetic. Thank you so much!

    • Hyla Cass, MD Reply

      March 19, 2013 at 12:40 am

      The short answer is “yes you can.” In fact, methylfolate is often given along with an antidepressant to boost it’s activity, especially in cases of “treatment resistance;” i.e. the medication isn’t working well enough.

      So what is methylfolate? Methylfolate is a special form of the B vitamin that is more usable by the body than it’s precursor, folic acid.

      How does it work? To make neurotransmitters, we need methyl groups for a process called methylation. If due to a genetic variation (could be as high as 30% of the population), we don’t make methyl groups, we have trouble making neurotransmitters, and can become depressed.

      The solution? Take methylfolate! it should also be taken along with other B vitamins to be complete, especially B6 and B12. Take these vitamins along with the requisite amino acids (also contained in Brain Recovery packets), especially if you want to get off the antidepressant. The vitamins are included in both my Brain Recovery AM/PM packets and in Better Balance 2-A-Day multivitamins.

      If someone is already on an antidepressant, as you are, you can still take the Brain Recovery but take the PM packet at least 2 hrs away from the medication, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, to avoid possible (and rare) serotonin syndrome). Why? The PM packet contains 5-HTP, an amino acid that helps to make serotonin. Otherwise, just add in Better Balance 2-A-Day multivitamins which has no 5 HTP. And check with your doctor.

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