B vitamins linked to lower risk of depression

B vitamins like folate and vitamin B6 may help lower the incidence of depression in early adolescence, according to a new study published in the Aug 17, 2010 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. 

The study led by Murakami K. and colleagues from University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan and other academic organizations found folate intake was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms in both boys and girls. The risk reduction could be up to 40%. 

The researchers also found that vitamin B6 was inversely associated with depression symptoms as well and the maximum risk reduction could be as much as 28%.  Riboflavin, on the other hand, can reduce depressive symptoms by 15% in girls, but not boys. 

In contrast, vitamin B12 did not seem to reduce the risk in either girls or boys. 

Another population based study in the June 2, 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking B vitamin supplements like vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may reduce risk of depression. 

The study of 3,503 men and women led by Sharupski K.A. and colleagues from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found higher total intakes of vitamin B-6 and B-12 were associated with decreased risk of depression during a 12-year period. 

Each 10 additional milligrams of vitamin B6 and 10 additional micrograms of vitamin B12 were correlated with 2% lower risk of depressive symptoms per year. 

Interestingly, there was no association found in the study between depression symptoms and dietary intakes of these vitamins or folate. 

By David Liu, editing by Laura Lamp King