Depression Symptoms in Men May be Cut by Increased Folate Intake January 2008 A new study involving more than 500 Japanese participants suggests that increased intake of folate may reduce depression among men by 50%. However, the study did not show a benefit for women.The study adds to a growing body of research linking folate and folic acid intake to improved mood. It follows a review by scientists at the University of York and Hull York Medical School of 11 studies and involving 15,315 participants that reported low folate levels were linked to increased depression.The researchers assessed dietary intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, folate and other B-vitamins among 517 Japanese subjects using a self-administered diet history questionnaire. Symptoms of depression were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.Thirty-six percent of the men and 37% of the women were found to have depressive symptoms. Researchers calculated that increased folate levels were associated with less depressive symptoms in men, but not women.Male subjects with the highest average intake (235 mcg per 100 kcal were 50% less likely to have depressive symptoms than men with the lowest average intake (119 mcg per 100 kcal).”To our knowledge, this is the first study of these associations conducted in a non-Western population and used validated methodologies for the assessment of depressive symptoms and nutrient intake,” wrote the researchers, led by Kentaro Murakama from the International Medical Center of Japan, and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition.”Although more research is needed to confirm the causality of the association, dietary modification to increase intake of folate may be an important strategy for the prevention of depression,” researchers added.Nutrition 24(2):140-147, 2008