A new study shows an Omega-3 deficiency as well as increased inflammation may be associated with prenatal depression (PND). Also an Omega-3 deficiency may result in longer episodes of depression.
33 women (17 women with PND and 16 healthy women) in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy participated in this study. Their inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) as well as their Omega-3 levels were measured. The women who experienced PND had significantly higher TNF-a levels and significantly lower Omega-3 levels.
These finds confirm other observational studies that show higher levels of total Omega-3 (DHA and EPA) seem to act as “protective factors” against major depressive disorder (MDD). Also larger DHA levels found in breast milk and increasing the consumption of DHA rich foods, like seafood, have been shown as links to decreased risks of postpartum depression. Omega-3 deficiencies seen during pregnancy may also increase the length of the depressive episodes which could last even into the first year after delivery. This could lead to psychosocial dysfunction, suicide, poor mother-child relationships, and destructive behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse according to this study.
Future larger sample size studies are needed to replicate the findings in this study.
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