The CNP Nutrients and Postpartum Mental Health Research Category consolidates research exploring the relationship between nutrients and postpartum mental health. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.
This review conducted by Hsu et al. (2018) evaluated the effect of supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on depression during pregnancy or in postpartum depression directly after childbirth. In addition to studies that measured dietary intake and plasma and/or milk levels of omega-3 fatty acids, the reviewers selected several trials demonstrating the impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplements on pregnant or postpartum women with depression. One of the risk factors of postpartum depression is omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, which becomes depleted quickly during pregnancy and lactation. Some studies reported associations between neuroinflammation (elevated proinflammatory cytokines) and aberrant neurotransmission (low serotonergic transmission activity) with risk of developing postpartum depression. There is evidence that supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich oil can reduce depression during pregnancy as well as postpartum depression following childbirth. It was also highlighted that long-term treatment with DHA-enriched oil may be effective in reducing postpartum depression risk in healthy women but may not be as effective in lactating women. However, when this oil was taken throughout pregnancy and even after childbirth, no beneficial effect was observed. To summarize, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids rich in EPA during pregnancy or postpartum reduces symptoms related to depression, while DHA supplementation reduces the risk of postpartum depression when administered to healthy pregnant women.
Mental health in new mothers: A randomised controlled study into the effects of dietary flavonoids on mood and perceived Quality of Life
Emerging literature in the microbiota-brain axis and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Risk factors for postpartum depression: An evidence-based systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in early pregnancy Is predictive of postpartum depression in a Belgian cohort
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in prevention and treatment of maternal depression: Putative mechanism and recommendations
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
The role of diet and nutritional supplementation in perinatal depression: A systematic review
Anaemia and depletion of iron stores as risk factors for postpartum depression: A literature review
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Vitamin D deficiency and antenatal and postpartum depression: A systematic review
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Micronutrient dietary intake in Latina pregnant adolescents and Its association with level of depression, stress, and social support
The efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms in perinatal women: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials