A variety of studies indicate that
folate deficiency is associated with the appearance of problems of a neuromuscular or neurological nature such as depression, muscular and
mental fatigue, states of
confusion and non-
senile dementia, and that these processes improve fully or partly when the deficiency is corrected. Because of the role of folates in the reactions in synthesis of neuro-transmitter and elements of neuron structure, it is not surprising that a deficiency is associated with depression and other mental problems. Folates are involved in the synthesis of
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) which is the main contributor of methyl groups in the nervous system and whose action as an
antidepressive agent is confirmed. They are also involved in the synthesis of
glutamate which is an excitant
neurotransmitter, and in the formation of puric and pyrimidic bases. An alternative mechanism for explaining the etiopathogenesis of
folate deficiency in depression and other
mental disorders involves the regeneration of
tetrahydrobiopterin (THB) which is an essential cofactor in hydroxylation process in the brains of mammals.
Folate deficiency is a common nutritional problem in many groups of the Spanish population and, given the role of this
vitamin in the operation of the nervous system, we might consider the possibility that, in some case,
folate deficiency may cause or aggravate some alterations to mental function.