Diet in the Aetiology and Management of Postpartum Depression: Knowing the Facts

Abstract

Studies suggest that pregnancy and childbirth are key times in women’s lives when they are more susceptible to mental health problems. Prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) is increasing worldwide and has potentially detrimental effects on both the mother and the offspring. Postpartum depression has a multifactorial aetiology. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, as well as a number of social, psychological and biological parameters have been identified as key risk factors of the condition. It has been postulated that the diet during and after pregnancy may be associated with the onset of PPT. Evidence suggests that depletion of nutrient reserves throughout pregnancy can increase the risk of PPD. The nutrient that has received the most attention has been the n-3 essential fatty acids with many randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and ecological studies suggesting a positive association between low n-3 levels and a higher incidence of maternal depression. There is also good evidence that increasing the dietary omega-3 intake in late pregnancy or following delivery may reduce the risk of PPD. The role of the inadequate intake of folate, calcium, zinc and iron intake on the onset of PPD has also been investigated, with conflicting results. The need for more, better designed studies is identified, to elucidate the possible role of nutrition on PPD, which could lead to the formation of specific dietary recommendations for the prevention and management of this serious condition.