Posted by Larry Hoover on April 3, 2003, at 18:42:34
In reply to Larry Hoover Re: Ok- now who takes vitamins/, posted by McPac on April 3, 2003, at 18:21:55
> I am currently being treated for depression at a nutritionally focused center.
Oh, I'm *so* jealous.
>I have long known that folic acid could greatly help depressed patients. However, my histamine count, tested by this center, was VERY HIGH. Folic acid and niacin help make histamine, thus, they are telling me NOT to take any folic acid or niacin(in order to lower my histamine level). Still, one thing that bugs me is that BEFORE going there I WAS taking folic acid and felt BETTER after taking it. I can't say that the folic acid was THE direct cause because I was taking other supplements as well. So, my question to you is, in a case like this do you think it makes sense for them to tell me NOT to take the folic acid? Thanks Larry!!
They must be using the categories defined by Dr. Pfeiffer. According to Pfeiffer, "This syndrome (high histamine) often involves seasonal variations in depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, inhalant allergies, and frequent headaches." Does that fit you?
What I don't understand is that high-histamine depressives are said to be under-methylated, but they don't advocate methyl donors (e.g. betaine, vitamin B-12) as treatment. Instead, they suppress folate and niacin intake, and push methionine and calcium supplements. In any case, you'll have to follow their advice if you want to see if you get your money's worth. Response is said to take months, as you have to let your folate metabolism "wind down".
Excess folate (if that's what you had been doing) can "hide" deficiencies in other B-vitamins. It will give most anyone some amount of "boost", but may coincidentally induce functional defiencies elsewhere.
That's my speculation, pure and simple.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:215282
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/215959.html