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Maternal fiber intake and perinatal depression and anxiety
Dietary fiber significantly influences gut microbiota composition, which plays a key role in the Gut–Brain Axis and neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the impact of antenatal diet, particularly fiber intake, on maternal mental health disorders has not been well-explored. The purpose of this review by Ebrahimi et al. (2024) is to examine the connection between prenatal depression and anxiety (PDA) and the amount of fiber consumed by the mother. Using the relevant keywords for pregnancy, food, fiber, and mental health, a literature study was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Data on dietary patterns (DP), food intake, mental health, and demographics were extracted from observational and clinical studies published between 2015 and 2021. The fiber content per 100g and per serving size was used to rank the top three fiber-containing food categories (FG) in each research study. Out of fifty-two studies, thirteen satisfied the requirements for inclusion. Ten studies assessed DPs, with seven focusing on depression, two on both depression and anxiety and one on anxiety alone. Seven studies (53.9%) reported at least one positive relationship between mental health and dietary patterns, while three showed negative outcomes. A noteworthy unfavorable relationship existed between mental health outcomes and the average ranking of the top three fiber food categories. In studies comparing food group intake between depressed and non-depressed groups, non-depressed individuals consumed significantly more of the top-ranking fiber foods, particularly four high-fiber food groups. This study emphasizes how important fiber consumption is for maternal nutrition and mental health outcomes. The authors conclude that a negative correlation between lower fiber intake and poorer mental health outcomes suggests the need for further research on fiber intake as a potential factor in mitigating perinatal depression and anxiety. [NPID: Dietary fiber, perinatal mental health, maternal diet, maternal depression, maternal anxiety]
Year: 2024
