Source: BMC Psychiatry  |  Posted 8 years ago

High levels of vitamin B12 may be associated with a better treatment outcome for patients with major depressive disorder, according to a recent Finnish report.

Previous studies have identified low levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the serum and red blood cells of patients with depressive disorders. Low levels of folate have also been associated with a poor response to antidepressive therapy. However, results from several recent large studies investigating the link between vitamin B12, folate and depressive disorders have been conflicting.

To better understand this relationship, investigators led by Jukka Hintikka, MD, PhD, of Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, performed a naturalistic follow-up study analysing potential associations between vitamin B12 and folate levels and the 6-month treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorders.

The study included 115 outpatients (mean age, 42.9