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Red cell folate concentrations in psychiatric patients.
M W Carney1, T K Chary, M Laundy
1Department of Psychiatry, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 1, 1990
Summary
This study found that 31% of psychiatric patients had low red cell folate levels, particularly those with depression or alcoholism. Low folate was more common in inpatients than outpatients.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Red cell folate and vitamin B12 are crucial for neurological function.
- Nutritional deficiencies can impact psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess red cell folate and vitamin B12 levels in psychiatric patients.
- To identify correlations between these vitamin levels and specific psychiatric diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Red cell folate and serum vitamin B12 were measured in 243 inpatients and 42 outpatients.
- Patients were categorized into five diagnostic groups.
- Levels were analyzed concerning age, inpatient/outpatient status, and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 31% of patients had red cell folate below 200 ng/ml; 12% below 150 ng/ml.
- Low folate levels were more prevalent in inpatients.
- Depressed and alcoholic patients showed significantly lower mean red cell folate.
- Alcoholic patients had significantly elevated mean serum B12 levels.
Conclusions:
- Folate deficiency is common in psychiatric inpatients, especially those with depression and alcoholism.
- Vitamin B12 levels may be elevated in alcoholics.
- Lithium treatment did not significantly affect folate or B12 levels.