News Article: Consuming Omega-3 During Pregnancy May Reduce Postpartum Depression Risk

A new study suggests that pregnant women who consume omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can benefit their own health greatly as well as their infant’s. A correlation between consumption of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a common type of omega-3 fatty acid, and reduced risk of postpartum depression symptoms was drawn. In addition, maternal consumption of DHA during pregnancy has shown to deliver developmental advantages to infants even nine months after birth.

Omega-3 acids are derived from oily fish such as salmon and herring. Dr. Michelle Price Judge of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing oversaw the randomized study, which involved 52 pregnant women. The participants took either a placebo (corn oil) capsule or a fish oil capsule containing 300 milligrams of DHA (the equivalent of about half a serving of salmon) for five days per week from 24-40 weeks of pregnancy.

The Postpartum Depression Screening scale was used to measure symptoms associated with the disorder such as sleeping/eating disturbances, anxiety, emotional issues, confusion, loss of self, guilt, and thought of suicide. Though researchers acknowledge that a larger scale study is needed in order to definitively draw a link between omega-3 acid consumption during pregnancy and reduced risk of postpartum depression, women who consumed the fish oil capsules experienced significantly fewer symptoms related to postpartum depression than those who took the placebo.

“DHA consumption during pregnancy – at levels that are reasonably attained from foods – has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression,” Judge concluded.

These findings are important because an estimated 25 percent of new mothers are affected by postpartum depression, according to some experts. The consequences of the disorder can be devastating for both mothers and their families.

Researchers suggest pregnant women eat at least a serving of a high omega-3 fish at least twice a week to obtain the greatest possible benefit. Although fish oil supplements are also acceptable, an actual fish itself will offer more nutritional benefits, researchers say.