Washington: Low levels of omega-3 – fatty acids found in marine life, may be behind postpartum depression, a new study has found.
According to a review led by Gabriel Shapiro of the University of Montreal and the Research Centre at the Sainte-Justine Mother and Child Hospital, women are at the highest risk of depression during their childbearing years, and the birth of a child may trigger a depressive episode in vulnerable women.
Postpartum depression is associated with diminished maternal health as well as developmental and health problems for her child.
“The literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3 and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin, a mood regulator, to be released into our brains,” Shapiro said.
“Many women could bring their omega-3 intake to recommended levels,” Shapiro added.
Because omega-3 is transferred from the mother to her fetus and later to her breastfeeding infant, maternal omega-3 levels decrease during pregnancy, and remain lowered for at least six-weeks following the birth.
Furthermore, in addition to the specific biological circumstances of pregnant women, it has been found in the US that most people do not consume sufficient amounts of omega-3.
“These findings suggest that new screening strategies and prevention practices may be useful,” Shapiro said.
The findings are published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
ANI
