Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Folate

pattyhoy
pattyhoy
Does anyone have information on folate for anxiety?
wildflowers44
wildflowers44
Hi Patty,

I have only recently (in the past year) heard of folate for the treatment of anxiety. I found out through my psychiatrist that I have a genetic mutation where I cannot properly absorb the form of folate typically found in enriched foods and most supplements. This mutation is called the MTHFR genetic and is apparently, fairly common. I have taken methyl folate, which is the kind of folate people with the mutation can absorb, and I definitely do think it has helped. I need to start taking it again, as I stopped for awhile (I have issues with self-destructive behaviors). There is also a prescription supplement called Deplin that provides larger doses of methyl folate.

As for folate's importance in the brain, I have not done much research. Based on my limited understanding, folate is needed for healthy neurotransmitter production and function. So when you do not get enough folate, or have the MTHFR mutation and cannot absorb folate, brain health can suffer.

Here is a site my dietitian gave me with more info on this specific genetic defect:

http://mthfr.net/methylfolate-side-effects/2012/03/01/ (I think this is just one page of the site, but there are a lot of other pages with info)

Also, I found out I had this from my psychiatrist, like I mentioned. They did a mouth swab test and sent it into a lab and it was fairly inexpensive. I know there are many different labs who do the test.

I hope that was somewhat helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
pattyhoy
pattyhoy
Thank you so much for your prompt response! I am using a probiotic that contains Folate. We'll see if it helps!
serenity1977
serenity1977
Interesting wildflower. I'm waiting to be tested for that gene. I believe I have it as I have so many of the symptoms. Along with my bloods showing high folate which maybe a sign I done absorb it. I'm really hoping it's the key to why I'm feeling so bad. Glad to hear you think you've improved after changing the type of folate
wildflowers44
wildflowers44
Patty, you are very welcome! I hope my response wasn't too scattered...I have trouble organizing my thoughts sometimes. May I ask, do you know what form of folate is in the probiotic you are taking?

Serenity, I, too, hope you can get some answers! Keep us updated if you don't mind...I'd love to hear how things turn out for you.