It’s found in many supplements and as an additive to processed food products, such as fortified breakfast cereals and flour. The biologically-active form of vitamin B9, 5-MTHF is essential for fueling the cells that drive the creation of genes, DNA, and chromosomes in the body.Ĭonversely, folic acid, also known as pteroylmonoglutamic acid, is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. Once digested, most dietary folate is converted into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). However, they are different forms of vitamin B9.Ī naturally-occurring form of vitamin B9, folate is found primarily in leafy vegetables, which are a good dietary source of it. Many people use the terms folic acid and folate interchangeably due to their similar names and characteristics. Naval Parikh has also been published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine for his investigation of the relationship between folate and depression. In addition, low levels of folate in the blood can make antidepressant drugs less effective.Īn internist at SortinoMD in Boca Raton, Florida, Naval Parikh, MD, also serves as the clinical site coordinator of NAPA Research in Fort Lauderdale. One study has suggested that having this variant increases risks of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. One issue for some people is that they harbor a variant gene that prevents the folate in their diet from being fully synthesized and used. Deficiencies of SAMe are associated with depression. In addition, breaking down homocysteine produces SAMe, which in an important component of brain cells. Working in tandem with vitamins B12 and B6, folate works to break down homocysteine, an amino acid that, when found in high levels, has links with depression and Alzheimer's disease. Found naturally in citrus, leafy green vegetables, and beans, folate is also required at a certain level by pregnant women to mitigate miscarriage and birth-defect risks. Folate is found naturally in citrus, leafy green vegetables, and beans. 6, 74-76).Ī Harvard Mental Health Letter detailed the role of folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, in treating psychiatric symptoms such as depression. Widely published in his field, Naval Parikh, MD, is the author of “Role of Folate on Depression: A Shift from Folate Replacement to Folate Supplementation” (Molecular Medicine Journal, Vol.

He also facilitates clinical trials at NAPA Research. Since its last NCI renewal, Hollings has achieved multiple impressive milestones, including opening nearly 400 cancer-related research studies, expanding mobile health van cancer screening services, and winning 138 peer-reviewed research project awards.īased in South Florida, Naval Parikh, MD, is a respected internal medicine physician in private practice. The only NCI-designated cancer center in South Carolina, Hollings is one of just 70 cancer centers in the country to earn this prestigious status. With each designation period lasting five years, the NCI distinction is based on leadership, vision, outstanding facilities, research commitment, and community outreach. MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center recently celebrated the renewal of its designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center, which comes with more than $10 million in funding to support its research efforts. Naval Parikh earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where he also gained research experience that helped lay the foundation for his career. The clinical site coordinator for NAPA Research in Boca Raton, Florida, Naval Parikh, MD, is an internal medicine physician who has the distinction of being named among the country’s Top Physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.

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