06.01.11
Nutraceutical: Omega 3 DHA
Indication: Postpartum depression
Source: Experimental Biology Conference, April 2011.
Research: Investigators conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial in which 52 pregnant women took either a placebo (corn oil) or a fish oil capsule containing 300 mg of DHA 5 days each week from 24-40 weeks of pregnancy. This is the amount a woman would consume if she ate about a half serving of salmon. It is noteworthy that dietary DHA intake during pregnancy has been estimated to be 50-70 mg of DHA daily—a mere fraction of the 200 mg daily that is considered optimal during pregnancy by most experts.
Results: Although the study did not have enough women to investigate if fish oil consumption resulted in a lower incidence of diagnosable postpartum depression, women in the treatment group had significantly lower total Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores, with significantly fewer symptoms common to postpartum depression. For example, compared to those in the control group, women in the fish oil group were less likely to report symptoms related to anxiety and loss of self. As a result, researchers believe DHA consumption during pregnancy—at levels that are reasonably attained from foods—has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.
Indication: Postpartum depression
Source: Experimental Biology Conference, April 2011.
Research: Investigators conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial in which 52 pregnant women took either a placebo (corn oil) or a fish oil capsule containing 300 mg of DHA 5 days each week from 24-40 weeks of pregnancy. This is the amount a woman would consume if she ate about a half serving of salmon. It is noteworthy that dietary DHA intake during pregnancy has been estimated to be 50-70 mg of DHA daily—a mere fraction of the 200 mg daily that is considered optimal during pregnancy by most experts.
Results: Although the study did not have enough women to investigate if fish oil consumption resulted in a lower incidence of diagnosable postpartum depression, women in the treatment group had significantly lower total Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores, with significantly fewer symptoms common to postpartum depression. For example, compared to those in the control group, women in the fish oil group were less likely to report symptoms related to anxiety and loss of self. As a result, researchers believe DHA consumption during pregnancy—at levels that are reasonably attained from foods—has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.