Could one-milligram daily folic acid supplementation change the intensity of the disorder in outpatients with depression who use citalopram?

Introduction: Low serum folate level was related to the higher prevalence of depressive disorders.This study aimed to assess the effect of folic acid (1mg/day) on the intensity of depression symptoms. Methods and Materials: This randomized‐controlled clinical trial was registered to the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180115038373N1). The study was conducted at the Zanjan Haft‐Tir Clinic, Zanjan, Iran. Twenty‐four outpatients with major depression (a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score higher than 15 and a Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) score higher than 10 at enrolment) were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups received citalopram (20mg/day) as their standard treatment. The intervention group received folic acid supplements (1mg/daily). The folate levels of serum, BDI, and HDRS scores were measured. The measurements were conducted before the intervention and in 45 and 90 days of follow‐ups. Results: The serum level of folate was increased for the intervention group. The HDRS and BDI Scores were reduced significantly in both groups after 90 days of follow‐up. There were no significant differences between the two study groups in the reduction of depression scores. In the intervention group, the decrease in HDRS score was negatively correlated to the increase in serum folate level. Conclusion: The use of 1mg/d folic acid was not significantly effective in the reduction of depression symptoms in patients with major depression.