Prevention of Postpartum Depression
Scientists have found another benefit of increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a fat that is found in seafood. They discovered that women who have high intakes of DHA are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Appropriate amounts of DHA in the mother also contribute to healthy brain and nervous system development in the fetus and infants.
Their study (Hibbeln, J. Journal of Affective Disorders. 69;1-3, May 2002: 15-29) looked at 14,532 people from 23 countries around the world. The countries with the highest intake of fresh seafood were less likely to have postpartum depression from a low of 0.5% in Singapore to a high of 24.5% in South Africa. The United States was in the middle with 11.5% of people suffering with postpartum depression.
The difficulty is that DHA cannot be produced in the body; it must come from an outside source. Seafood consumption greater than twice a week is associated with a lower risk of depression, but an alternative choice is an EPA/DHA supplement, which will supply the body with an adequate amount of DHA. Supplementation of EPA/DHA during pregnancy promotes longer gestational times and greater birth weights in babies. It is beneficial for the mother and child throughout pregnancy. Maternal DHA levels can be cut in half during pregnancy and take up to 26 weeks to be fully restored after giving birth. By providing the body with an adequate supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, both mother and child are receiving appropriate amounts of this essential fat for neural development and prevention of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids also maintain the body in an anti-inflammatory state. By eating a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, people are less likely to have chronic diseases, such as, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.