As Assies & Pouwer appropriately point out, there has been growing evidence for an underlying metabolic link between the key components of one-carbon metabolism and PUFAs both in depression and dementia. ^{Reference Das1} However, we do not fully agree with their recommendation for measuring these factors in combination. Our reasons are as follows. One of the main potential mood stabilising effects of PUFAs in depression is thought to be their dampening action against abnormal intracellular signal transduction by (a) inhibiting G-protein-mediated and phospholipase-C-mediated hydrolysis of crucial membrane phospholipids; ^{Reference Sperling, Benincaso, Knoell, Larkin, Austen and Robinson2} (b) modulating the influx of calcium ions; ^{Reference Honen, Saint and Laver3} and (c) reducing the activity of protein kinase C. ^{Reference Seung Kim, Weeber, Sweatt, Stoll and Marangell4} In addition, PUFA actions are closely related to inflammatory and immune pathways, which are also potentially important in the pathogenesis of depression. ^{Reference Maes and Smith5} Compared with these more established findings, the evidence for relationships between one-carbon metabolism and PUFAs in depression is relatively scant. For these reasons, we cannot recommend measuring PUFAs in the context of one-carbon metabolism at the present time, particularly for clinical purposes. However, we do feel that Assises & Pouwer's suggestions should encourage future animal and clinical studies on these interesting research issues.