Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
For the health condition: Mood Swings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, has some scientific evidence supporting its use in relation to mood regulation, but the evidence is limited and not robust for treating mood swings specifically. Folate is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation. Several studies have noted that individuals with depression or other mood disorders often present with lower serum folate levels. Supplementation with folic acid has been shown in some clinical trials to enhance the efficacy of antidepressant medications, particularly in individuals with documented folate deficiency. However, the direct effect of folate supplementation on mood swings, especially outside of diagnosed depressive disorders or bipolar disorder, is not well established. The use of folic acid in psychiatric practice is more commonly associated with depression rather than generalized mood swings. Notably, a 2012 systematic review suggested that adjunctive folic acid may have a modest benefit in reducing depressive symptoms, but evidence for its use in mood disorders beyond depression is sparse. There is insufficient evidence to recommend folic acid solely for mood swings in individuals without clear folate deficiency or diagnosed mood disorders. Nevertheless, in populations at risk for folate deficiency (e.g., individuals with poor diet, malabsorption, or certain genetic polymorphisms), correction of deficiency may improve mood symptoms.

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