Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Folate (vitamin B9) has scientific support for its use as an adjunctive treatment in depression, especially in individuals with low folate levels or specific genetic polymorphisms (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair folate metabolism. Multiple clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that people with depression often have lower folate levels compared to the general population. Low folate status has been associated with poorer response to standard antidepressants and greater severity of depressive symptoms. Supplementing with folate—particularly in the form of L-methylfolate, the bioactive form—has been shown in randomized controlled trials to enhance the efficacy of antidepressant medications in some patients, especially those with treatment-resistant depression or genetic impairments in folate metabolism.

However, the evidence is not universally strong. The benefit appears most pronounced in individuals with documented folate deficiency or specific genetic profiles. For the general population of people with depression, results are mixed, with some studies showing modest benefit and others showing little or no effect. Consequently, clinical guidelines sometimes recommend folate supplementation as an adjunct for certain patients with depression, but it is not considered a first-line treatment. Overall, while folate has a scientific basis for use in depression, particularly as an adjunct in specific subgroups, its efficacy does not reach the level of standard antidepressant therapies.

More about folate
More about Depression

Other ingredients used for Depression

Other health conditions supported by folate

Products containing folate

Thorne 5-MTHF 1 mg Folate
Thorne 5-MTHF 5 mg Folate
Integrative Therapeutics Active B-Complex
Vitabase Active Man's Formula
Vitabase Active Woman's Multi
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Thorne Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
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Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
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Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
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Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
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Thorne Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients
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Designs For Health Women's Twice Daily Essential Packets