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Efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment on symptoms of antenatal depression: 12-week fully blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial (NUTRIMUM)
Broad-spectrum micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with depression. This study by Bradley et al. (2024) aimed to assess whether additional micronutrients could reduce antenatal depression symptoms. Eighty-eight drug-free expectant mothers, ranging in gestation from 12 to 24 weeks, with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores ≥13, were randomized to receive micronutrients or an active placebo for 12 weeks. The active placebo contained iodine and riboflavin. Micronutrient doses were generally within recommended dietary levels. Seventeen women (19%) dropped out, with no significant group differences, and four (4.5%) gave birth prematurely. Both groups showed improvement on the EPDS, though without statistically significant differences; 77.3% of the micronutrient group and 72.7% of the placebo group were considered recovered. On the other hand, the micronutrient group displayed a much more notable improvement over time, as evaluated by Clinical Global Impression–Improvement Scale (CGI-I) physician assessments. Along with substantial increases in sleep and overall functional evaluation, the micronutrient group also reported feeling “much” to “very much” better (68.8% vs. 38.5% in the placebo group). Suicidal ideation and other treatment-emergent adverse events did not differ significantly. The micronutrient group had a greater drop in homocysteine levels. When compared to placebo, the micronutrient response was more likely to be enhanced among those with personality disorders, a history of using mental medications, and those who experienced greater levels of social support. The authors highlight that this study underscores the benefits of actively monitoring antenatal depression, particularly with micronutrient supplementation, which showed added efficacy in improving overall functioning without evidence of harm. Future trials with larger samples and clinical depression diagnoses are recommended for validation. [NPID: Perinatal psychiatry, vitamin, mineral, micronutrients, antenatal depression]
Year: 2024
