Twelve-point-two million Americans suffered from suicidal thoughts in recent years. One-point-two million of those individuals attempted suicide and rates have risen 30% since the year 2000.
However, recent research found that prescription folic acid reduced thoughts of suicide by 44% in patients.
Research from the University of Chicago examined folic acid treatment from over 800,000 Americans, and their suicidal behavior over a two-year period.
“What we found is that there actually is independent genetic risk that is contributing directly to suicide attempt that is not simply through the risk of psychiatric disorders,” said Douglas Ruderfer, an associate professor in Genetic Medicine, Biomedical Informatics in Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Patients who took folic acid encountered a 44% reduction in suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.
“That is independent of psychiatric conditions which often present with suicide attempt but is biologically correlated with other non-psychiatric risk factors,” Ruderfer explained.
While many individuals who consider suicide have underlying psychiatric illnesses, there are also genetic risks for suicide attempts and that genetic risk can lead directly to a suicide attempt without existing psychiatric illness. Experts reported sleep disorders, smoking, and other harmful behaviors were all also contributing factors for suicide.
Experts say folic acid is an affordable supplement that is accessible without prescription. The vitamin folate B can also be consumed by eating foods with fortafolite acid such as nuts, peas, and fruit juices.
Important numbers
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK) or 9-8-8; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Text TALK to 741741 (suicide)
- Text HOME to 741741 (crisis)
- Children Home Society’s Family Support: Warm Line 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
- United Way: Dial 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- The Vinson Foundation: Helping Families Coping with Suicide Loss (https://thevinsonfoundation.org/)
- Heretomorrow: Helpline in Neptune Beach available Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. -- (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)
- LSF Health Systems: 24/7 ACCESS TO CARE LINE: (877) 229-9098 (https://www.lsfhealthsystems.org/)