08.27.09
Indication: Depressive symptoms (pregnant women)
Source: Epidemiology, July 2009;20(4):598-603.
Research: Researchers collected data prospectively from women participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the period 1991-1992. At 32 weeks' gestation, the mother completed a questionnaire that included symptoms of depression and a food frequency questionnaire from which the amount of omega 3 fatty acids from fish was calculated. Statistical analyses took social and lifestyle factors into account.
Results: The results showed that lower maternal intake of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood was associated with high levels of depressive symptoms. Compared with women consuming more than 1.5 grams of omega 3s from seafood per week, those consuming none were more likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms at 32 weeks' gestation.