Review backs OMEGA 3 for Post Natal Depression

Found this article last month in Inspired Health 2013 New Year Edition - a magazine from my local health food shop....More evidence that OMEGA 3 fatty acids are so important.

A recent review of 75 studies investigating the risk factors for postnatal depression found that women could be at higher risk if their Omega 3 levels are lowered. “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”  explained the review’s leader Gabriel Shapiro of the University of Montreal.

As Omega 3 is transferred from the mother to the foetus as it develops and later via breastfeeding, the mother’s Omega 3 levels decrease during pregnancy and remain birth.  Without adequate intake of Omega
3 to counter this, levels of Omega 3 will be significantly lowered in the mother and could result in higher risk of postnatal depression.

Whilst this study gives an indication as to the link between Omega 3 levels and Post natal depression, further research is needed to clarify the link and the specific reasons for it.

Reference: ‘Emerging Factors for Postpartum depression: Serotonin Transporter Gentype and Omega 3 Fatty Acid Status’ Gabriel D Shapiro, William D Fraser, Jean R Seguin.