Scoping Review of the Effects of Dietary Supplements on Postpartum Depression
top of page
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Journal of Health and Medical Sciences

ISSN 2622-7258

Screen Shot 2018-08-12 at 1.24.09 AM.png
Screen Shot 2018-08-12 at 1.24.02 AM.png
Screen Shot 2018-08-12 at 1.23.57 AM.png
Screen Shot 2018-08-12 at 1.23.52 AM.png
crossref
doi
open access

Published: 26 June 2020

Scoping Review of the Effects of Dietary Supplements on Postpartum Depression

Shian Ming Chen, Anne TM Konkle

University of Ottawa, Canada

journal of social and political sciences
pdf download

Download Full-Text Pdf

doi

10.31014/aior.1994.03.02.120

Pages: 228-259

Keywords: Antibiotic, Dietary Supplement, Maternal Mental Health, Mineral, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Omega-6 Fatty Acid, Postpartum Depression, Probiotic, Vitamin

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) can emerge as one of many maternal risks during the postpartum period. Though antidepressants have traditionally treated PPD, dietary supplements have been increasingly studied as a more accessible remedy, focusing on prevention. The goal of this study is to consolidate information about the effects of dietary supplements on PPD. A scoping review was conducted to identify a possible relationship between various supplements and PPD, using relevant studies on PubMed and Medline published between January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2020. Only English language literature with human subjects was included. 39 articles (from 606 articles originally retrieved) were included and summarized under headings related to: vitamins; minerals; fatty acids; antibiotics and probiotics; and, combination of supplements. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with Vitamin D, multivitamins, selenium, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or probiotics generally lead to decreased PPD risk. Supplementation with calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, iron, or any B-vitamins has no effect on PPD, although there are conflicting reports regarding folate, Vitamin D, and n-3 PUFA. Furthermore, antibiotic usage and n-6 PUFA intake have correlated with increased PPD risk. Studies assessing supplement co-exposure were limited. The results of this review are mixed, with some dietary supplements having a positive effect and others having a negative or no association with PPD. This review highlights the limited knowledge regarding the effects of selenium, iodine, probiotics, and antibiotics. Further research is needed to study the combined effects of various supplements on PPD, as mothers often take multiple supplements during pregnancy.

References

  1. Abedi, P., Bovayri, M., Fakhri, A., & Jahanfar, S. (2018). ‘The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Postpartum Depression in Reproductive-Aged Iranian Women’. Journal of Medicine and Life 11(4): 286–92. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2018-0038

  2. Accortt, E. E., Schetter, C. D., Peters, R. M., & Cassidy-Bushrow, A. E. (2016). ‘Lower Prenatal Vitamin D Status and Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology in African American Women: Preliminary Evidence for Moderation by Inflammatory Cytokines’. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 19(2): 373–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-015-0585-1

  3. Amini, S., Amani, R., Jafarirad, S., Cheraghian, B., Sayyah, M., & Hemmati, A. A. (2020). ‘The Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Inflammatory Biomarkers, Estradiol Levels and Severity of Symptoms in Women with Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial’. Nutritional Neuroscience: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2019.1707396

  4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.

  5. Blunden, C. H., Inskip, H. M., Robinson, S. M., Cooper, C., Godfrey, K. M., & Kendrick, T. R. (2012). ‘Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: The B-Vitamin Link’. Mental Health in Family Medicine 9(1): 5–13. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3487611/

  6. Boath, E., Bradley, E., & Henshaw, C. (2004). ‘Women’s Views of Antidepressants in the Treatment of Postnatal Depression’. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology 25(3/4): 221–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/01674820400017889

  7. Boyd, R. C., Le, H. N., & Somberg, R. (2005). ‘Review of Screening Instruments for Postpartum Depression’. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 8(3): 141–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-005-0096-6

  8. Canada & Health Canada. (2009). Prenatal Nutrition Guidelines for Health Professionals: Background on Canada’s Food Guide. Ottawa: Health Canada. Retrieved from http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/301/hcan-scan/prenatal_nutrition_guidelines-ef/H164-109-4-2009E.pdf

  9. Chong, M. F. F., Wong, J. X. Y., Colega, M., Chen, L.-W., van Dam, R. M., Tan, C. S., … & Chen, H. (2014). ‘Relationships of Maternal Folate and Vitamin B12 Status during Pregnancy with Perinatal Depression: The GUSTO Study’. Journal of Psychiatric Research 55: 110–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.04.006

  10. Chong, M. F. F., Ong, Y.-L., Calder, P. C., Colega M., Wong, J. X. Y., Tan, C. S., … & Pang, W. W. (2015). ‘Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status During Pregnancy and Maternal Mental Health in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Results From the GUSTO Study’. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 76(7): 848–56. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.14m09191

  11. Cosatto, V. F., Else, P. L., & Meyer, B. J. (2010). ‘Do Pregnant Women and Those at Risk of Developing Post-Natal Depression Consume Lower Amounts of Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids?’ Nutrients 2(2): 198–213. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2020198

  12. Cuijpers, P., Brännmark, J. G., & van Straten, A. (2008). ‘Psychological Treatment of Postpartum Depression: A Meta-Analysis’. Journal of Clinical Psychology64(1): 103–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20432

  13. Dagher, R. K., & Shenassa, E. D. (2012). ‘Prenatal Health Behaviors and Postpartum Depression: Is There an Association?’ Archives of Women’s Mental Health15(1): 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-011-0252-0

  14. Dennis, C.-L., Heaman, M., & Vigod, S. (2012). ‘Epidemiology of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Among Canadian Women: Regional and National Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey’. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 57(9): 537–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371205700904

  15. Dror, D. K., & Allen, L. H. (2012). ‘Interventions with Vitamins B6, B12 and C in Pregnancy’. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 26(s1): 55–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01277.x

  16. Fard, F. E., Mirghafourvand, M., Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi, S., Farshbaf-Khalili, A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Asgharian, H. (2017). ‘Effects of Zinc and Magnesium Supplements on Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial’. Women & Health 57(9): 1115–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2016.1235074

  17. Fu, C.-W., Liu, J.-T., Tu, W.-J., Yang, J.-Q., & Cao, Y. (2015). ‘Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Measured 24 Hours after Delivery and Postpartum Depression’. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 122(12): 1688–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13111

  18. Gavin, N. I., Gaynes, B. N., Lohr, K. N., Meltzer-Brody, S., Gartlehner, G., & Swinson, T. (2005). ‘Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Incidence’. Obstetrics and Gynecology 106(5 Pt 1): 1071–83. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000183597.31630.db

  19. Gould, J. F., Anderson, A. J., Yelland, L. N., Smithers, L. G., Murray Skeaff, C., Gibson, R. A., & Makrides, M. (2015). ‘Association of Cord Blood Vitamin D at Delivery with Postpartum Depression in Australian Women’. Journal of Obstetrics 55(5): 446–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.12344

  20. Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., & van Ausdal, W. (2008). ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy’. Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology1(4): 162–69. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2621042/

  21. Gur, E. B., Gokduman, A., Turan, G. A., Tatar, S., Hepyilmaz, I., Zengin, E. B., … & Serkan, G. (2015). ‘The Effect of Vitamin D Level in Pregnancy on Postpartum Depression’. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 18(2): 263–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.05.017

  22. Hahn-Holbrook, J., Cornwell-Hinrichs, T., & Anaya, I. (2018). ‘Economic and Health Predictors of National Postpartum Depression Prevalence: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of 291 Studies from 56 Countries’. Frontiers in Psychiatry 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00248

  23. Hamazaki, K., Takamori, A., Tsuchida, A., Kigawa, M., Tanaka, T., Ito, M., … & Katoh, T. (2018). ‘Dietary Intake of Fish and N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Risks of Perinatal Depression: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)’. Journal of Psychiatric Research 98: 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.11.013

  24. Hamazaki, K., Matsumura, K., Tsuchida, A., Kasamatsu, H., Tanaka, T., Ito, M., & Inadera, H. (2019). ‘Dietary Intake of Fish and N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Risk of Postpartum Depression: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study - the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)’. Psychological Medicine 1: 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719002587

  25. Hoge, A., Tabar, V., Donneau, A.-F., Dardenne, N., Degée, S., Timmermans, M., … & Castronovo, V. (2019). ‘Imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Early Pregnancy Is Predictive of Postpartum Depression in a Belgian Cohort’. Nutrients 11(4): 876. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040876

  26. Hogg-Kollars, S., Mortimore, D., & Snow, S. (2011). ‘Nutrition Health Issues in Self-Reported Postpartum Depression’. Gastroenterology & Hepatology From Bed to Bench 4(3): 120–36. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017421/

  27. Khayat, S., Fanaei, H., & Ghanbarzehi, A. (2017). ‘Minerals in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Review Article’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR 11(9): QE01–5. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2017/28485.10626

  28. Kitamura, Y., Kogomori, C., Hamano, H., Maekawa, I., Shimizu, T., & Shiga, S. (2017) ‘Relationship between

  29. Changes in Fatty Acid Composition of the Erythrocyte Membranes and Fatty Acid Intake during Pregnancy in Pregnant Japanese Women’. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 70(4): 268-276. https://doi.org/10.1159/000471856

  30. Kobayashi, M., Ogawa, K., Morisaki, N., Tani, Y., Horikawa, R., & Fujiwara, T. (2017). ‘Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Late Pregnancy and Postpartum Depressive Symptom among Japanese Women’. Frontiers in psychiatry Frontiers Research Foundation 1: 241. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00241

  31. Lamb, A. R., Lutenbacher, M., Wallston, K. A., Pepkowitz, S. H., Holmquist, B., & Hobel, C. J. (2018). ‘Vitamin D Deficiency and Depressive Symptoms in the Perinatal Period’. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 21(6): 745–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0852-z

  32. Leung, B. M. Y., Kaplan, B. J., Field, C. J., Tough, S., Eliasziw, M., Gomez, M. F., … & Gagnon, L. (2013). ‘Prenatal Micronutrient Supplementation and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in a Pregnancy Cohort’. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth1: 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-13-2

  33. Lewis, S. J., Araya, R., Leary, S., Davey Smith, G., & Ness, A. (2012). ‘Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy May Protect against Depression 21 Months after Pregnancy, an Effect Modified by MTHFR C677T Genotype’. Journal of Clinical Nutrition 66(1): 97–103. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.136

  34. Lin, Y.-H., Chen, C.-M., Su, H.-M., Mu, S.-C., Chang, M.-L., Chu, P.-Y., & Li, S.-C. (2019). ‘Association between Postpartum Nutritional Status and Postpartum Depression Symptoms’. Nutrients 11(6): 1204. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061204

  35. Makrides, M., Gibson, R. A., McPhee, A. J., Yelland, L., Quinlivan, J., & Ryan, P. (2010). ‘Effect of DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy on Maternal Depression and Neurodevelopment of Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial’. JAMA304(15): 1675–83. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1507

  36. Markhus, M.W., Skotheim, S., Graff, I. E., Frøyland, L., Braarud, H. C., Stormark, K. M., & Malde, M. K. (2013). ‘Low Omega-3 Index in Pregnancy Is a Possible Biological Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression’. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource] 8(7): e67617. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0067617

  37. Mithal, A., & Kalra, S. (2014). ‘Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy’. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 18(5): 593–96. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.139204

  38. Miyake, Y., Tanaka, K., Okubo, H., Sasaki, S., Furukawa, S., & Arakawa, M. (2016). ‘Milk Intake during Pregnancy Is Inversely Associated with the Risk of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Japan: The Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study’. Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.) 36(9): 907–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2016.06.001

  39. Murphy, J. R., Paul, S., Dunlop, A. L., & Corwin, E. J. (2018). ‘Maternal Peripartum Antibiotic Exposure and the Risk of Postpartum Depression’. Research in Nursing & Health 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.21881

  40. Murphy, P. K., Mueller, M., Hulsey, T. C., Ebeling, M. D., & Wagner, C. L. (2010). ‘An Exploratory Study of Postpartum Depression and Vitamin D’. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 16(3): 170–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390310370476

  41. Nguyen, P. H., DiGirolamo, A. M., Gonzalez-Casanova, I., Pham, H., Hao, W., Nguyen, H., … & Ramakrishnan, U. (2017). ‘Impact of Preconceptional Micronutrient Supplementation on Maternal Mental Health during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Vietnam’. BMC women’s health17(1): 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-017-0401-3

  42. Nielsen, D., Videbech, P., Hedegaard, M., Dalby, J., & Secher, N. J. (2000). ‘Postpartum Depression: Identification of Women at Risk’. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 107(10): 1210–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2000.tb11609.x

  43. Nielsen, N. O., Strøm, M., Boyd, H. A., Andersen, E. W., Wohlfahrt, J, … & Melbye, M. (2013). ‘Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy and the Risk of Subsequent Postpartum Depression: A Case-Control Study’. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource]8(11): e80686. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080686

  44. Paoletti, A. M., Orrù, M. M., Marotto, M. F., Pilloni, M., Zedda, P., Fais, M. F., … & Melis, G. B. (2013). ‘Observational Study on the Efficacy of the Supplementation with a Preparation with Several Minerals and Vitamins in Improving Mood and Behaviour of Healthy Puerperal Women’. Gynecological Endocrinology 29(8): 779–83. https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2013.801447

  45. Parker, G., Hegarty, B., Granville-Smith, I., Ho, J., Paterson, A., Gokiert, A., & Hadzi-Pavlovic, D. (2015). ‘Is Essential Fatty Acid Status in Late Pregnancy Predictive of Post-Natal Depression?’ Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica131(2): 148–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.12321

  46. Public Health Agency of Canada. (2017). ‘Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care: National Guidelines’. aem. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines.html

  47. Robinson, M., Whitehouse, A. J. O., Newnham, J. P., Gorman, S., Jacoby, P., Holt, B. J., … & Kusel, M. M. H. (2014). ‘Low Maternal Serum Vitamin D during Pregnancy and the Risk for Postpartum Depression Symptoms’. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 17(3): 213–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-014-0422-y

  48. da Rocha, C. M. M., & Kac, G. (2012). ‘High Dietary Ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Acids during Pregnancy and Prevalence of Post-Partum Depression’. Maternal & Child Nutrition 8(1): 36–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00256.x

  49. Sallis, H., Steer, C., Paternoster, L., Davey Smith, G., & Evans, J. (2014). ‘Perinatal Depression and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Mendelian Randomisation Study’. Journal of Affective Disorders 166: 124–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.04.077

  50. Sharma, V., & Sommerdyk, C. (2013). ‘Are Antidepressants Effective in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression? A Systematic Review’. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders 15(6). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977774/

  51. Silvers, K. M., Woolley, C. C., & Hedderley, D. (2006). ‘Dietary Supplement Use in People Being Treated for Depression’. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 15(1): 30–34. Retrieved from http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/15/1/30.pdf

  52. Slykerman, R. F., Hood, F., Wickens, K., Thompson, J. M. D., Barthow, C., Murphy, R., … & Mitchell, E. A. (2017). ‘Effect of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus HN001 in Pregnancy on Postpartum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial’. EBioMedicine 24: 159–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.09.013

  53. Stewart, D. E., & Simone, V. (2016). ‘Postpartum Depression’. The New England Journal of Medicine; Boston 375(22): 2177–86. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1607649

  54. Vaz, J. D. S., Farias, D. R., Adegboye, A. R., Nardi, A. E., & Kac, G. (2017). ‘Omega-3 Supplementation from Pregnancy to Postpartum to Prevent Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial’. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth 17(1): 180. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1365-x

  55. Vaziri, F., Nasiri, S., Tavana, Z., Dabbaghmanesh, M., Sharif, F., & Jafari, P. (2016). ‘A Randomized Controlled Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation on Perinatal Depression: In Iranian Pregnant Mothers’. BMC pregnancy and childbirth 16: 239. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1024-7

  56. Wang, Z., Li, C., Teng, Y., Guan, Y., Zhang, L., Jia, X., … & Guan, H. (2020). ‘The Effect of Iodine-Containing Vitamin Supplementation During Pregnancy on Thyroid Function in Late Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression in an Iodine-Sufficient Area’. Biological Trace Element Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02032-y

  57. Williams, J. A., Romero, V. C., Clinton, C. M., Vazquez, D. M., Marcus, S. M., Chilimigras, J. L., … & Mozurkewich, E. L. (2016). ‘Vitamin D Levels and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms in Women at Risk: A Secondary Analysis of the Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health Study’. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth16(1): 203. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0988-7

  58. World Health Organization. (2016). WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience. Geneva: World Health Organization.

  59. World Health Organization. (2013). WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. 2014-2023. Geneva: World Health Organization.

  60. Yan, J., Liu, Y., Cao, L., Zheng, Y., Li, W., & Huang, G. (2017). ‘Association between Duration of Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy and Risk of Postpartum Depression’. Nutrients 9(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111206

bottom of page