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Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) consumption during pregnancy decreases postpartum depression (PPD) symptomatology
Author(s) -
Judge Michelle Price,
Beck Cheryl T.,
Durham Holiday,
Mckelvey Michele M.,
LammiKeefe Carol J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.349.7
DHA is a major structural component of neural tissue critical to neurotransmission and mood regulation. Poor maternal dietary intake, coupled with accelerated maternal‐fetal transfer of DHA, increases risk for maternal deficiency. Objective Investigate maternal DHA supplementation in pregnancy to reduce PPD symptoms. Methods In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial 52 women (n=26/group) were assigned to i) Placebo (corn oil capsule) or ii) DHA (300 mg DHA, fish oil capsule) for consumption (5d/wk) between weeks 24–40 of pregnancy. PPD symptoms were assessed at 2 & 6 wks, and 3 & 6 mos postpartum with the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). Proc Mixed procedure was used to compare group differences in total PDSS scores. Results There was a significant group difference (p = 0.0057) for PDSS total score. Compared controls, DHA intervention was associated with a consistent 6‐point lower mean depression score across all time points. RBC DHA (weight %) was significantly higher in the DHA intervention group (p<0.0001, 3.64% vs. 2.70%) compared to placebo group. Conclusions These results offer a basis for guidelines for DHA consumption by pregnant women and for community‐based efforts to increase awareness of the value of DHA/fish consumption for maternal mental health.