Schizophrenia is one of those disorders that many people have heard of but few really understand anything about. However, we are learning more about the condition all the time and recently there has been an important breakthrough in our knowledge. According to a study, possessing either of two genes that play a key role in metabolising the B vitamin folate may make a big difference in which people respond to vitamin supplements intended to treat negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
A team of researchers analysed 140 people with schizophrenia for 16 weeks. They found that those with the high-functioning FOLH1 version of the gene had a greater response to folic acid and B12 supplements, compared to those people who had the low-functioning FOLH1 variant. The gene controls the digestion of folic acid into the bloodstream.
Folic acid is one of the B vitamins, and is used by the body to create neurotransmitters which send signals throughout the brain and body. You can get your daily supply of folic acid from leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and fortified grains.
Ever since the 1960s, deficiencies of folic acid have been directly linked to the development of schizophrenia. Previous research has observed spikes in cases of the mental disorder after famines in China and the Netherlands. However, this new study is the first to look at the effects of folic acid on a large group of people with the condition.
The researchers specifically looked at the negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients, which include apathy, withdrawal and an inability to display emotion. Even though these symptoms are less severe than some of the more publicised symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and paranoia they can still lead to significant problems because they cannot be cured with antipsychotic drugs.
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