Low Folate and Vitamin B12 Linked to Depression

It has been asserted that the any deficiency in vitamin B12 and/ or folate may put indivduals, especially women, at a heightened risk for depression. The article states that:

"Folate deficiency has been linked in clinic studies to depression, persistent depressive symptoms, and poor response to antidepressants. One study found that people with major depression had folate levels lower than people who had never been depressed. "

"What causes a deficiency of vitamins B12 and folate? The most common are aging and poor diet. Vitamin B12 deficiency is an issue for many older adults, with multiple factors such as poor diet, atrophic gastritis, reduced intestinal absorption, and drug interactions contributing to the problem. Some experts suggest a daily multivitamin to maintain adequate B12 levels." To help battle this issue, individuals should take care to eat their vegetables and take a multivitamin regularly.