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Table of Contents<\/b><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Introduction” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Depression is a major cause of morbidity and is the second-leading cause of disability world-wide. It is estimated that its prevalence is up to 15% of the population in industrialized nations and affects approximately 350 million people. By 2030, the World Health Organization projects it to be the leading cause of disease burden globally. Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a state of low mood and anhedonia, affecting a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. Depressed patients may also present with diverse symptoms including lethargy, insomnia, social withdrawal and sexual dysfunction among a range of other ailments.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Understanding Depression: A Complex Condition” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-0″][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Depression is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition. It involves a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, making it challenging to understand and treat. However, continued progress has been made and continues to be made in an attempt to elucidate its complex nature.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Biological Basis of Depression” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-01″][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Clearly, depression has several biological underpinnings. We know that changes in neurotransmitter levels, brain structure and function, genetics, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to the development of depression. For example, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are often associated with depressive symptoms. We also know that Vitamin B-9, also known as folate, is essential for several bodily functions, including its important role in mental health and depression. There is a distinct connection between folate (Vitamin b-9)<\/a> and multiple functions in the brain.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Key Roles of Folate in Brain Function” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-2″][vc_column_text single_style=””]Distinctly, folate plays major roles in:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”infograph-section-3456″ el_class=”info-border-gray-1-3564″][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Download<\/a> Download & share this infograph in your network [Free Download]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Folate and Depression: Research Insights” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-3″][vc_column_text single_style=””]The relationship between folate and depression is complex, and multiple factors can contribute to the development of depression. It has been made clear, however, that folate does play a major role in this condition.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Several studies dating back to the 1960s have shown that depressed patients have a higher incidence of folate deficiency. In many studies investigating patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, folate deficiency was associated with low levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Supplementation with folate seemed to restore CSF 5-HIAA levels to normal. Interestingly, there also were decreases in serotonin synthesis in patients with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency (a genetic polymorphism disorder of folate metabolism). While the mechanisms regulating folate deficiency are not well known, low serotonin is implicated. This may involve S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is a major methyl donor formed from methionine. Folate is involved in a cycle that regenerates methionine from homocysteine after SAMe is demethylated to S-adenosylhomocysteine, with subsequent conversion to homocysteine. Folate deficiency decreases SAMe in brain.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Folate Transport in the Brain” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-4″][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n With this in mind, we understand that importance of folate and its interconnections with neurotransmitter function. Folate, however, needs to be transported seamlessly into the cells. This is primarily achieved through several major folate receptors known as Folate Receptor Alpha (Fra), Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC), and the Proton Coupled Folate Transporter (PCFT). Folate Receptor Alpha (Fra) is a major receptor in transporting folate into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). FR\u03b1 acts as a high-affinity receptor for folate, facilitating its uptake into these cells. Cerebral folate delivery primarily occurs at the choroid plexus through FR\u03b1 and the PCFT. If these transport systems are impeded in any way, low folate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may occur thereby potentially causing neuropsychiatric disorders.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Folate Receptor Autoantibodies and Their Role” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-5″][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n One impediment in the transport of folate to the brain and the CFS has been found to be the presence of folate receptor autoantibodies that target the Folate Receptor Alpha (Fra). Folate receptor autoantibodies make the Folate Receptor Alpha dysfunctional and suggest that not enough folate is being transported into the brain and into the cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers have defined this condition as cerebral folate deficiency syndrome<\/a>. Interestingly, folate receptor autoantibodies have been found in patients with treatment resistant depression. In a previous study of 16 adult patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, 9 patients tested positive for folate receptor autoantibodies. Although the study was small in the number of patients enrolled, it has garnered significant interest in assessing the relevance of these autoantibodies in depression. Screening for folate receptor autoantibodies may be done though the use of FRAT\u00ae<\/sup><\/b> (Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test)<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Potential Treatment Approach: Folinic Acid (Leucovorin)” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”blog-scroll-point-7″][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n The presence of folate receptor autoantibodies in these instances also suggest a possible treatment that can possibly correct this type of impeded folate transport. More specifically, a special type of reduced folate known as folinic acid (leucovorin) has been found to reverse certain neuropsychiatric abnormalities in those that had folate receptor autoantibodies. It is believed that a reduced folate such as folinic acid can bypass the dysfunctional Folate Receptor Alpha and enter the brain\/CFS via the Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC). However, RFC has a lower affinity for folate as compared with the FR\u03b1, so blood folate concentrations need to be higher to optimize this alternative pathway. This approach can be a possible solution for these depressed patients and may potentially serve as a future treatment. More research needs to be done in the fascinating field!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”blog-banner-section”]<\/p>\n Folate (vitamin B9) is very important for your child\u2019s brain development!<\/p>\n During pregnancy, it helps prevent neural tube defects and plays a big role in forming a normal and healthy baby\u2019s brain and spinal cord. Folate also helps cells divide and assists in both DNA and RNA synthesis.<\/p>\n Emerging research suggests that the presence of FRAAs negatively impacts folate transport into the brain.<\/p>\n Yes, there is a test – The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT\u00ae<\/sup>) has emerged as a diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of FRAAs.<\/p>\n It is important to screen at an early age or as soon as possible as there may be corrective measures available. Please consult your physician for further information.<\/p>\n To order a test kit, click on the button below.<\/p>\n\n
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Did You Know? Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs) may impede proper folate transport.<\/h4>\n
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Is there a test for identifying Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs)?<\/h4>\n
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