title: Folate and vitamin B12 status in schizophrenic patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to determine red blood cell (RBC) and serum folate and vitamin B12 levels as well as their intake in schizophrenic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The folate and cobalamin status of 60 schizophrenic patients (15-55 years) was compared to 60 matched healthy controls using Radio Isotope Dilution Assay (RIDA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum and RBC folate in schizophrenic patients was significantly lower than the control group. Mean serum cobalamin levels in the schizophrenic group were higher than controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that folate deficiency is common in schizophrenic patients; therefore, it is important to pay attention to folate levels in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saedisomeolia
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Djalali
authors.forename: Ali Malekshahi
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Moghadam
authors.forename: Ozra
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ramezankhani
authors.forename: Laya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Najmi