How Methylfolate Affects Depression | How To Get Rid Of Depression
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We’re going to talk about how methylfolate affects depression? It’s a question many have and not everyone understands clearly. Stick with me through the end of this video and we’ll step you through the details of how methylfolate works within the body to help with depression. You’ll learn about its mechanism of action, how the neurotransmitters are affected, as well as what prescription & dosage options are available to you.
Our Customer Success Story:
"I have been selling methylfolate since 2012, long before most people had ever heard of it. I learned about it through a doctor who was able to save his son’s life using the nutrient. I was convinced not only by the science I learned from Dr. Rawlins, but also by my own personal journey as well as the responses my customers had with the nutrient. Many have sent testimonials telling us how powerful this specific form of folate has been for their mood levels and some have even spoken of being off of depression drugs for the first time in their lives, taking only the methylfolate to help with their formerly-incapacitating symptoms. I will stop and caveat right now, that I don’t advocate anyone take action without their doctor’s knowledge and consent, especially in the case of depression, which can be so isolating and debilitating. So talk to your doctor if you’re looking at methylfolate as a real option to fight your depression symptoms. I will also say that I had my serotonin levels tested before I started taking methylfolate in 2011 and they were at 85, normal range for my test was 125-185. Then about 3 months after taking methylfolate every day and feeling so much better, I had my levels tested again – sure enough, my serotonin level came back in-range at 136. I take approximately 6 mg of methylfolate a day. It changed my life and that’s why I became a methylfolate expert and am obsessed with ensuring the methylfolate I take every day has the best chemistry, highest quality and is the purest on the planet."
So how does methylfolate work within the body to battle depression?
Basically it boosts something called SAMe which is responsible for neurotransmitter production, specifically, serotonin. Methylfolate is just a special form of the vitamin folate, L-5-MTHF.
Well if it’s just folate, why does it make serotonin differently in our bodies than other forms of folate you’re wondering?
This is because most folks don’t absorb folic acid properly because it actually has to be converted 4 different times before it can be absorbed by the body and properly use the folate receptor which will begin boosting the SAMe to make the serotonin.
And interestingly enough, over half of the population has a mutation that gets in the way of this conversion from folic acid to folate, it’s called MTHFR – and this blocks the ability of the body to make the SAMe and serotonin. Basically the folic acid inactive form blocks up the receptor so it can’t do its job.
In the United States, if you want to ask a doctor for a prescription of methyl folate specifically for depression, you’d ask for Deplin.
Now it’s important to note that Deplin is what’s called an "adjunct" prescription, meaning it’s come on the market as an ‘addition to existing prescription medications for depression’. It is NOT classified as a ‘drug’, but instead as a ‘medical food’ and technically it’s not recommended to be used on its own for depression, but in conjunction with another anti-depressant to make that anti-depressant work better for you.
However, there have been studies which have shown it head to head against some of the top anti-depressant drugs on the market, and it can prove for some just as effective as a drug alone.
Each of us is unique in regards to our needs on this journey, so don’t try to go it alone, talk to a doctor and get a plan to determine whether methyl folate is right for you or not and if you want to experiment with it or not.
And I will again caveat that not all doctors know about Deplin, so be aware of the fact that you may need to find a doctor who is knowledgeable enough to help you.
Be aware that your insurance may not cover Deplin since it is not a ‘drug’ and it can be pretty expensive, approximately $600 per 90 days supply without any insurance for the brand name and approximately $160 with insurance (a generic can be in the $160 range as well).
It’s worth noting that you can get a pharma-quality L-Methylfolate over-the-counter for about half that cost.
When I say pharma-quality, I mean a crystalline structure (for stability and potency) calcium salt molecule that has only the active 6S isomer of methylfolate tied to it. With similar stability and potency rates as well.