Omega-3 fatty acids intake reduces the risk of postpartum depression

With more intake of Omega-3 fatty acid, such as that contained in Pharmaton^® Matruelle^®, there is a much lower risk of post-natal depression for the new mother.

From this graph, you can see that in Japan, where the diet is very rich in oily fish and therefore levels of Omega-3 fatty acids are high, the risk is much lower than other Western countries.

The study results came after 14,532 women were assessed during a total of 41 trials and in 23 countries across the world. Higher concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids in mothers' milk and greater seafood consumption both predicted lower prevalence rates of postnatal depression, while both lower Omega-3 fatty acids content in mothers' milk and lower seafood consumption were associated with higher rates of postnatal depression.


 

Reprinted from: the Journal of Affective Disorders 69(11-3), Hibbeln JR. Seafood consumption, the DHA content of mothers' milk and prevalence rates of postpartum depression: a cross-national, ecological analysis. 2002; 15-29, with permission from Elsevier.

Link to the study