Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and exploration of heterogeneity
- From: MarilynMann <mannm@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:04:00 -0000
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2007;61:631-637; doi:
10.1136/jech.2006.050385
RESEARCH REPORT
Is low folate a risk factor for depression? A meta-analysis and
exploration of heterogeneity
Simon Gilbody1, Tracy Lightfoot2 and Trevor Sheldon1
1 Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
2 Epidemiology and Genetic Unit, Department of Health Sciences,
University of York, York, UK
Correspondence to:
Dr S Gilbody
Department of Health Sciences, University of York, YO10 5DD, York, UK;
sg519@xxxxxxxxxx
Low folate has been causatively linked to depression, but research is
contradictory. An association may arise due to chance, bias,
confounding or reverse causality. A systematic review of observational
studies which examined the association between depression and folate
was conducted. 11 relevant studies (15 315 participants; three case-
control studies, seven population surveys and one cohort study)
examining the risk of depression in the presence of low folate were
found. Pooling showed a significant relationship between folate status
and depression (odds ratio (OR)pooled unadjusted = 1.55; 95% CI 1.26
to 1.91). This relationship remained after adjustment for potential
confounding (OR)pooled adjusted = 1.42; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.83). Folate
levels were also lower in depression. There is accumulating evidence
that low folate status is associated with depression. Much of this
evidence comes from case-control and cross-sectional studies. Cohort
studies and definitive randomised-controlled trials to test the
therapeutic benefit of folate are required to confirm or refute a
causal relationship.
.
- Prev by Date: Re: Paleo diet beats Mediterranean-like diet
- Next by Date: Vitamin B12 deficiency in the aged: a population-based study
- Previous by thread: Metabolic syndrome Don't Blame the Vat
- Next by thread: Vitamin B12 deficiency in the aged: a population-based study
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
