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Can A Folic Acid Deficiency Cause Depression?

Posting Date: 12/04/2000

Q: Years ago, a friend of mine was on medication for high blood pressure. She became totally fatigued and depressed, and finally her doctor figured out that she was deficient in folic acid. A few days of vitamin supplementation made a phenomenal difference.

Why isn't this better known? I met one person who told me she had no desire to go on living. When she started taking folic acid, there was a complete change in her attitude, mental state and energy. I wish there were some way to get the word out about how some blood pressure medicines deplete folic acid.

A: Adequate levels of folic acid and vitamin B6 are not only crucial for feeling good, but also are essential in lowering blood levels of homocysteine, an important risk factor for heart disease.

Diuretics such as Dyazide and Maxzide, prescribed for high blood pressure, can reduce folic acid levels, while hydralazine depletes vitamin B6.

In addition, estrogen in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can affect the levels of these important vitamins.

To learn about how nutrients and medications interact, you may want to read our Guides to Blood Pressure Treatment and Drug & Nutrient Interactions.