Nutritional Factors
Affecting Postpartum DepressionThis section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to: Frankp@chiro.org
FROM: J Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 2011 (Jun); 12 (1): 849–860 ~ FULL TEXT
OPEN ACCESS Lia M. Nightingale, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Life Sciences,
Palmer College of Chiropractic,
1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, USA.
Email: lia.nightingale@palmer.eduPregnancy and lactation represent a period of substantial physiological changes for the mother and increased nutritional requirements to meet these adjustments. A number of nutritional depletions occur during pregnancy. Serum concentrations of iron and folate take months before they normalize to pre-pregnancy levels. Additionally, many micronutrients required during pregnancy interfere with each other, making absorption difficult. Postpartum depression is the primary complication of childbirth, possibly caused by several nutritional and non-nutritional factors. The current review highlights the impact nutrition may have on the etiology of this debilitating disorder, most notably on prevention of inflammation and maintenance of a healthy central nervous system. The most notable nutritional deficiencies associated with postpartum depression include omega-3 fatty acids, folate, iron, and zinc; however, supplementation trials for prevention of postpartum depression are severely lacking. Practical recommendations are given to minimize micronutrient interference and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
Key Words: postpartum depression, nutrition, diet, folate, essential fatty acids, iron, zinc
From the Full-Text Article:
Introduction
Depression is the second leading cause of disability for those of reproductive age. [1] Although all forms of depression are devastating, postpartum depression (PPD) has long-lasting consequences for all family members involved. Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth, defined as having major or minor depressive episodes that occur within 12 months after delivery. [2, 3] Postpartum depression has been associated with impaired mother-child interactions, poorer child development, and more violent behavior in children with mothers displaying PPD. [4–6]
Pregnancy is a time of increased nutritional requirements to support fetal growth and development. There are several lines of thought concerning the cause of PPD, including the link between nutritional intake and risk of depression. Therefore, the goal of this review is to examine maternal depletion of nutrients, assess whether these nutritional factors may play a role in PPD, and summarize simple recommendations to implement in practice.
Prevalence
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), PPD prevalence peaks around 12 weeks post delivery with 12.9% of new mothers having bouts of major and minor depression. [3] The same study estimated that up to 19.2% of new mothers may have major or minor depression in the first 3 months postpartum, with 7.1% having a major depressive episode. Interestingly, international prevalence rates of PPD are higher than those reported in the United States. Published rates include 27.6% in Japan, [7] 34.7% in South Africa, [8] and 40% in Costa Rica. [9]
Screening
Nearly 50% of mothers with this affective disorder are not diagnosed; [10] thus, screening is essential to diagnosis. Many self-reporting tools have been designed and evaluated to identify PPD including the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2).
The first screening tool developed was the PDSS, a 35 question survey each assessed on a 5 point Likert scale, ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. [11] A cutoff score of 80 out of a possible 175 points indicates a positive result for PPD. Using the cutoff of 80, the PDSS has a sensitivity of 94%, indicating a high rate of identifying true positive cases, and a specificity of 98%, suggesting a very low false-positive rate identified by this method. [12] These results validate the use of the PDSS as a highly selective diagnostic tool.
The most widely studied diagnostic tool for PPD is the EPDS, a 10 question survey formatted on a Likert scale. Although the EPDS is similar to the PDSS, the questions posed on the EPDS are better suited to assess depression in general. Cox et al. calculated the sensitivity and specificity as 86% and 78%, respectively. [13] Although, the sensitivity and specificity are still high, the EPDS identified less true positives and more false positives than the PDSS making the PDSS a more rigorous diagnostic tool.
More recently, the PHQ-9 has been used to diagnose PPD. The PHQ-9 is a 9-item questionnaire constructed on a Likert scale. In a large trial containing 6,000 patients at 8 primary care facilities and 7 obstetrics/gynecology clinics, the PHQ-9 was found to have a sensitivity and specificity of 88%. [14]
The PHQ-2 is a 2-item screening tool using the first 2 questions from the PHQ-9, but instead of a Likert scale, yes/no responses are used. The PHQ-2 questionnaire was found to have a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 57–78%. [15, 16] Adding a help question asking if “this is something with which you would like help,” actually increased specificity to 94%. [16] Similarly, changing the yes/ no answer to a Likert scale improved sensitivity/specificity from 100%/44% to 84%/79%. [17]
There is no consensus as to whether these diagnostic tools should be used at postpartum or well-child visits. Postpartum visits to the obstetrician occur at 6 weeks postpartum, prior to the peak prevalence rate for PPD. Therefore, well-child visits seem timelier for PPD diagnosis; although more research is needed in this area, as well as possibly more training for pediatricians. This lack of standardized screening of mothers represents a unique opportunity for the chiropractic community to intervene, as many women visit their chiropractor more frequently than their obstetrician or general practitioner.
Nutritional Depletions during Pregnancy
Maternal nutritional status not only profoundly affects pregnancy outcome, but may influence pathology of PPD. Nutrient requirements are greatly increased during pregnancy and lactation. Twin pregnancies require even higher daily caloric and micronutrient intakes to support growth of multiple fetuses. Contrary to earlier studies, the fetus does not have parasitic activity and does not leech nutrients from the mother under most circumstances. There are a few exceptions to this concept, such as iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. In general, plasma lipid concentrations increase, while water-soluble components decrease throughout the course of the pregnancy. For example, serum triglyceride concentrations increase 20% by the end of the first trimester and nearly triple by term. [18]
Protein metabolism also changes throughout pregnancy. Women in the later stages of pregnancy have been found to retain nearly 4 times as much nitrogen compared to their nonpregnant counterparts. Nitrogen excretion and plasma amino acid concentrations decrease in late pregnancy, favoring nitrogen conservation and enhanced placental uptake of nitrogen. [19] There is no evidence to suggest that protein is stored early in the pregnancy for use later in gestation; as a result, dietary protein requirements are greatly increased to support fetal demand during late pregnancy. [20]
Essential fatty acids are lipids that cannot be made by the body and are only acquired through dietary intervention. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids. The most important essential fatty acid for fetal growth and brain development is the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in high concentrations in fatty, coldwater fish, fish oils, and algae. The fetus accumulates 67 mg/day of DHA during the third trimester. [21] If dietary intake of DHA is insufficient the fetus takes preference, stealing the essential fatty acid from storage in the brain and retina of the mother. Therefore, n-3 fatty acid intake may have a profound impact on PPD, as will be discussed in length later.
Published guidelines for ‘normal’ or ‘deficient’ serum vitamin or mineral levels during pregnancy do not exist. Longitudinal studies have shown that serum concentrations of many vitamins and minerals decrease throughout pregnancy, though most normalize to nonpregnant status following delivery including: zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and thiamin. [22–24] During pregnancy, plasma volume increases by 40–50% in singletons and up to 70% in multiple pregnancies; while only a 20–25% boost in red blood cell synthesis was found in both singletons and multiples. [25, 26] This hemodilution effect may impact plasma micronutrient concentrations, especially iron. Maternal iron stores are depleted during pregnancy and remain low for months following delivery. [27] Iron is required for fetal growth, placenta formation, increased red blood cell synthesis, and blood loss during delivery. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with poor maternal and neonate outcomes. [28] Iron is also an important cofactor for many enzymes; thus, iron deficiency may impact risk of PPD.
Calcium requirements during pregnancy are the same as nonpregnant women (1000 mg/day), even though the fetus accumulates nearly 30 g of calcium in the third trimester or ~300 mg/day. [26] Although, intestinal absorption of calcium doubles early in gestation, urinary calcium excretion rate nearly parallels the absorptive rate. [29] If nutritional requirements are not met through dietary means, then calcium mobilization from bone occurs. It has been estimated that a woman’s bone mineral density decreases 3–10% during pregnancy and lactation, which is recouped within months of weaning. [30] Interestingly, supplementation with 1,500 mg/day of calcium in pregnant women with low dietary calcium intakes actually increased bone loss, as indicated by diminished bone mineral content, bone area, and bone mineral density of the hip, and increased biomarkers of bone mobilization through 12 months lactation compared to pregnant women taking a placebo. [31] Hence, calcium supplementation alone may not be sufficient to prevent the decrease in bone mineral content associated with pregnancy. vitamin D has been shown to increase intestinal calcium absorption and decrease urinary calcium excretion through synthesis of specific calcium-binding proteins. [29] Recent research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency occurs in 35.8% of mothers and 58.0% of infants. Furthermore, 30% of pregnant women taking prenatal supplements were still deficient in vitamin D. [32] Additional studies are warranted to determine if the addition of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy affects bone mineral content or biomarkers of bone mobilization.
Both plasma and erythrocyte folate decline throughout pregnancy and take at least 6 months postpartum to normalize to prepregnancy levels. [24–33] Folate requirement is increased from 400 µg/day to 600 µg/day during pregnancy and lactation, as folate is essential for rapidly proliferating cells, DNA formation, and synthesis and secretion of breast milk. [34] Insufficient folate intake prepartum has been associated with neural tube defects, preterm birth, and small for gestational age infants. [35] Folic acid fortification of enriched grain products began in the United States in 1998 as a mechanism to prevent neural tube defects. Following fortification, rates of neural tube defects decreased by 26%. [36] While this difference is significant, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that serum folate concentrations in women of childbearing age increased 65% immediately following fortification, but has since declined 16% postfortification. [37] Folic acid intake from fortified foods was found to be a mere 128 µg/day in women of childbearing age, according to the 2001–2002 NHANES data. Furthermore, only 40% of women of childbearing age consumed at least 400 µg/day of folic acid or folate from dietary and supplemental sources. [38] Therefore, folate represents a public health concern as most women do not consume adequate quantities of this critical micronutrient, maternal depletion during pregnancy is evident, and insufficient levels have profound effects on the mother and fetus.
Nutrient Interactions
Many micronutrients interact with each other, often decreasing absorption of nutrients using similar absorptive mechanisms. In general, divalent minerals (those with a 2+ charge) will interact with each other. Supplemental doses are more likely to cause these interactions than dietary sources, as supplements contain higher concentrations of micronutrients than normally found in the diet. As stated previously, calcium requires vitamin D for absorption, but calcium can decrease iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus absorption; [39, 40] thus, calcium and iron should not be taken together. Hallberg recommends that when calcium supplements are necessary, they should be taken separately from a meal. [39] The most common source of calcium found in supplements is as calcium carbonate, which has been known to require an acidic environment, such as with a meal, in order to be properly absorbed. [41] Other dietary and supplemental forms of calcium (citrate, malate, lactate, etc.) can be easily absorbed on an empty stomach.
Iron absorption is enhanced when taken with vitamin C, but only with meals. [40] Thus, addition of citrus fruits or fruit juices may increase absorption of supplemental iron, while dairy products or calcium-fortified juices may inhibit iron absorption. Iron also interferes with intestinal absorption of copper and zinc. [42] The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends an additional 20–25 mg/day of zinc during pregnancy when ≥30 mg/day (NOTE: ≥ means "greater than, or equal to") of supplemental iron is taken to compensate for these interactions. [43] Folic acid and zinc also compete for absorption at the small intestinal membrane. [44–46]
The majority of these micronutrients are found together in prenatal multivitamins and can compete for absorption or decrease availability of others. Ideally, iron and folate supplements can be taken together shortly after a meal containing vitamin C to limit dietary interactions, while zinc should be taken separately on an empty stomach. Calcium supplements should be taken separate from iron with a meal if taken as calcium carbonate, while all other calcium salts can be taken on an empty stomach. [41] Calcium absorption is absorbed at a maximum dose of 500 mg/serving. [41] In general, micronutrients are absorbed at a higher rate when consumed in smaller doses spaced throughout the day, such as with eating a healthy, well balanced diet.
Birth Spacing
Although many micronutrients normalize shortly after delivery, several maternal depletions remain for months. For this reason, it is hypothesized that having short intervals between pregnancies does not allow the mother to adequately replenish her nutrient stores, putting herself and the fetus at risk for severe nutritional deficiencies and adverse outcomes. Birth intervals include the period of time between weaning of one child and conception of the next. Several recent meta-analyses have correlated a birth spacing <18–24 months with an increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and an infant that is small for gestational age, although the risk was mitigated with folic acid supplementation. [44, 45] Currently, no evidence exists on the effect of birth spacing on rates of PPD. Although we could hypothesize that nutrient deficiencies, seen in short birth intervals, may lead to PPD.
Nutrients of Concern in Postpartum Depression
Maternal nutritional depletions caused by pregnancy and lactation may play a large role in the development of PPD, though very few single nutrients have been studied related to this disorder. The most widely studies nutrient deficiencies and their potential impact on PPD includes: n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids, folate, and the trace minerals (iron, zinc, and selenium). The following summarizes the current state of evidence in relation to PPD.
Essential Fatty Acids
The most widely studied nutrients in relation to PPD are the essential fatty acids. Linoleic acid (18:2n-6) is the most widely consumed n-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils and is the precursor for the bioactive arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n-6); while a-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) is the most prevalent dietary n-3 found in seeds and nuts. Alphalinolenic acid must be converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) using Δ-5 desaturase (D5D) for use in the body; while ARA is made from linoleic acid using Δ-6 desaturase (D6D). [46] Both D6D and D5D activities have been shown to be modulated by dietary and lifestyle factors. For example, both D5D and D6D are inhibited during polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption; [47, 48] while saturated fat induced D6D and down regulated D5D. [49] Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle combine to influence rates of obesity and inflammation. Interestingly, liver D6D and D5D activities were diminished 87% and 66%, respectively, in obese patients. [50] As a result, production of the bioactive ARA, EPA, and DHA were reduced in obese individuals. A recent pilot study determined that women with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the FADS2 gene encoding D6D had lower activity levels, higher plasma linoleic acid concentrations, and were at risk for PPD. [51]
ARA, EPA, and DHA are required for cell signaling and regulation of the fluidity of cell membranes, as they are highly concentrated in phospholipids. [52] Approximately 14% and 17% of fatty acids found in the human brain are n-3 and n-6, respectively, predominantly as DHA and ARA. [53] Impaired membrane fluidity can affect serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine signaling and metabolism, thus influencing mood and behavior. [54, 55] Other signaling compounds produced directly from ARA and EPA include the eicosanoids: prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes. The n-6 eicosanoids produced from ARA stimulate the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. The n-3 fatty acids can decrease production of the n-6 eicosanoids, thus potentially decreasing inflammation by preventing cytokine synthesis. [56] Patients presenting with all forms of depression, including PPD, have been shown to have elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and the inflammatory initiator nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB). [57] Cytokines are able to access the brain and interfere with several mechanisms possibly leading to depression, including decreased serotonin production and dopamine release, increased synthesis of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and impaired neural plasticity. [58–63] Chronic stress associated with caregiving increased concentrations of IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation. [64, 66] New mothers often struggle with interrupted sleep patterns and sleep deprivation, which has been shown to activate NF-kB, thus initiating the inflammatory cascade. [67, 68] Lastly, patients with high baseline levels of inflammation tend to be less responsive to antidepressants, which could account for the 30-50% of patients that fail to benefit from antidepressant therapy. [69–72] Hence, the stress associated with caring for a newborn, combined with the effects of interrupted sleep patterns causes chronic inflammation and nutritional depletions puts the mother at significant risk for developing PPD.
EPA inhibits the inflammatory response by 2 mechanisms: 1) decreased expression of TNF-alpha by preventing NF-kB activation and 2) competition of eicosanoid producing enzymes curbing production of inflammatory n-6 eicosanoids. [73] Since DHA is essential for normal brain functioning and EPA is important for diminishing inflammation, one could hypothesize that increasing dietary n-3 fatty acids would decrease risk of PPD. Patients with major depression have higher n-6:n-3 ratios and more specifically, serum concentrations of EPA, DHA, and total n-3 fatty acids are lower in depression. [74–77] Fish consumption and risk of PPD have resulted in mixed findings. Hibbeln found a positive correlation between seafood consumption, DHA concentration in breast milk, and reduced risk of PPD across 23 countries. [78] This study also determined that the risk of PPD was 50 times higher in countries with limited fish consumption. Negative trials occurred in countries where fish consumption is higher than average or PPD prevalence was extremely low in the general population. [79, 80]
Several n-3 supplementation trials have been conducted, mostly in patients with major depression or bipolar disorder. Supplementation studies for prevention of PPD are very limited. Nearly all analyses have used pure DHA or a combination of DHA and EPA. Supplementation in this manner has not been shown to prevent or treat PPD. [81–88] An updated meta-analysis showed no benefit for omega-3 supplementation on overall mood disorder, but the effect of DHA and EPA were not differentiated. [89] Another meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was able to separate out the effects of pure DHA, pure EPA, or combined EPA and DHA on general depression. [90] Results indicated that pure EPA or supplements containing substantially more EPA than DHA were beneficial in alleviating symptoms of major depression and bipolar disorder. Due to insufficient studies using higher levels of EPA than DHA in trials for PPD, no efficacy was determined for perinatal depression. [90] Further studies are warranted to determine the effect of EPA supplementation prior to conception or during pregnancy on risk of PPD. Furthermore, 1 g/d of EPA has been shown to be an effective adjuvant to antidepressant therapy in resistant unipolar and bipolar depressed patients. [91–94] Peet and Horrobin determined that addition of low-dose EPA to standard antidepressant therapy in moderately to severely depressed patients achieved a 50% improvement compared to a paraffin placebo with minimal side effects. [91] Therefore, addition of EPA supplementation may be beneficial for the 30–50% of patients resistant to standard depression treatment.
Folate
Synthetic folic acid and dietary folate are required in methyl transfer reactions throughout the body. Dietary folate is found attached to several glutamate structures, most of which must be removed prior to absorption by the intestinal zinc-dependent enzyme called conjugase. Several factors may decrease folate absorption, including zinc deficiency, chronic alcohol consumption, and overconsumption of conjugase inhibitors commonly found in legumes, lentils, cabbage, and oranges. [95] Synthetic folic acid does not require digestion prior to absorption. Following absorption, folate and folic acid are eventually converted into 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (THF) in the irreversible reaction catalyzed by methylene THF reductase (MTHFR) as shown in Figure 1. Homocysteine, an amino acid derivative thought to cause oxidative stress, is converted back to methionine with the aid of 5-methyl THF and vitamin B12. [96] Methionine is then converted into S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the compound responsible for numerous transmethylation reactions in the body, including synthesis of membrane phospholipids, metabolism of neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and melatonin), DNA synthesis and repair, and formation of myelin. [96, 97] Recent animal data suggests that low folate diets during pregnancy decreases synthesis of myelin basic protein in the cerebral cortex. [98] Thus, maternal folate depletion may have profound effects on neuronal signaling and production of neurotransmitters.
Figure 1. The importance of folate on methylation reactions
Serum folate concentrations and dietary folate intake have consistently been inversely associated with depressive symptoms. [99–102] A recent meta-analysis determined that low folate status was associated with a 55% increased risk of depression, regardless of whether the population was subject to mandatory folic acid fortification or the method of folate assessment (dietary intake by food frequency questionnaire vs. serum folate levels). [103] Low serum folate concentration combined with depressive symptoms during pregnancy was significantly correlated with shorter gestational age and lowest birth weight infants. [104] Folate studies related to PPD have not been conducted, but it can be hypothesized that folate depletion caused by pregnancy and inadequate folate repletion between pregnancies may increase the risk of PPD.
Folate metabolism requires the rate-limiting MTHFR enzyme, which has been shown to contain several genetic polymorphisms. The most widely studied of which is the C677T genetic variant which may contain either the normal cytosine (C) or the variant thymine (T) at the 677th nucleotide position. Three possible genotypes exist depending on which nucleotides are found in both alleles (CC, CT, or TT). The 677CC genotype retains normal MTHFR activity, the 677CT polymorph has 65% of the activity, and the 677TT variant has only 30% of the MTHFR activity; thus, daily folate requirements are increased in order to maintain normal serum folate concentrations. [105] Carrying the homozygous 677TT MTHFR variant has been positively correlated with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. [106–111] Therefore, a genetic component exists that, when combined with folate depletion caused by pregnancy, may exacerbate the risk of PPD in susceptible populations.
Limited studies exist for the use of folic acid supplementation alone for treatment of depression. Older trials suggest a benefit, but most use 50 times the tolerable upper intake level for folate. [112–114] A recent study suggests that a prenatal supplement containing folic acid was not beneficial for decreasing depressive episodes during pregnancy. [115] Patients with low folate status were shown to be less likely to respond to antidepressant therapy. [116, 117] Several studies have shown an improvement on depression measures when folic acid is taken in combination with antidepressant medications. [118–121] Hence, improving folate status through dietary or supplemental interventions may be beneficial for decreasing depressive symptoms and is an effective adjuvant for patients not responding well to antidepressant treatment. More research is warranted to determine the effect of folate status, genetic polymorphisms, and folic acid supplementation on the risk or prevention of PPD.
Trace Minerals
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBC), whose primary responsibility is to carry oxygen. Iron-dependent enzymes are found in the pathways that generate and catabolize neurotransmitters and promote myelination of white matter and the spinal cord. [122] Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and inefficient oxygen delivery to cells. Twelve percent of all females of childbearing age in the U.S. have iron deficiency anemia. [123] Maternal iron requirements are markedly increased during pregnancy due to enhanced RBC synthesis, fetal requirement, and blood loss during childbirth. An established prenatal iron deficiency coupled with increased iron requirements may further impair proper brain signaling. Maternal iron deficiency or diminished concentrations of markers of iron status, such as hemoglobin and storage ferritin, have been associated with increased risk of PPD. [124–126] Low ferritin concentrations detected immediately after delivery were associated with a 273% increased risk of PPD at 32 weeks postpartum. [126] Iron deficiency anemia associated with low hemoglobin concentrations significantly increased the risk of general depression in an older population in a dose-dependent manner, such that the lowest hemoglobin concentration was associated with the most severe depression. [127] Future studies are required to assess doses of iron supplements during pregnancy that are effective for treatment of PPD and safe for the mother and fetus.
Next to iron, zinc has the second highest concentration of all transition metals in the brain. Zinc is a required cofactor for more than 300 different enzymes in the body; whereas zinc deficiency leads to enzyme dysfunction. [128] Zinc is required for normal neuronal synthesis and has been shown to be essential in modulation of inhibitory and excitatory receptors for neurotransmitters. [129, 130] Serum zinc concentrations have been inversely correlated with depressive symptoms. [131–134] A pilot study conducted by Wójcik et al. determined that serum zinc concentrations decreased during pregnancy reaching their lowest immediately after delivery, but rebounding within a month postpartum. [135] Patients diagnosed with PPD using the EPDS as a screening tool had 24% lower serum zinc concentrations 3 days following delivery compared to those not diagnosed with PPD. Very few studies have used zinc supplementation as an intervention for depression. A recent pilot study gave young women a multivitamin with or without an additional 7 mg of zinc. [136] Additional zinc supplementation was shown to increase serum zinc concentrations and significantly decreased anger and depression scores compared to the multivitamin alone. The addition of zinc to antidepressant therapy has been shown to significantly decrease scores on depression inventories as compared to standard antidepressant therapy alone. [137] Effects of serum concentrations on zinc supplementation seem to be modulated by inflammation. Patients with chronic inflammation subjected to high dose zinc supplementation did not show an increase in serum zinc concentrations. [138] As discussed previously, PPD is associated with higher levels of inflammation, which may first need to be remedied prior to zinc supplementation.
Copper, magnesium, and selenium are also minerals important in brain chemistry. Minimal research has been conducted on these micronutrients. Current research that does exist suggests an elevation in serum copper, as occurs during pregnancy, is associated with PPD in women with a family history. [139] The association of magnesium deficiency during pregnancy leading to PPD has garnered mixed results. [135, 140, 141] Recent research in nursing home residents has discerned an association between low serum selenium and depression, which was improved through selenium supplementation. [142] Another study showed that selenium supplementation during pregnancy decreased EPDS scores 8 weeks postpartum. [143] More double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to determine the effects of micronutrient deficiencies and subsequent supplementation on the risk of PPD before recommendations can be made.
Non-Nutritional Risk Factors
Numerous other factors have been implicated to increase the risk of PPD. Several meta-analyses have determined that the following non-nutritional factors significantly increase the risk of PPD: prenatal depression, socioeconomic status, marital status, child care stress, social support, infant temperament, multiple births, and unexpected pregnancy. [144–147] Recent research has also implicated sleep quality and employment status as other risk factors. Miyake et al. determined that having a full-time job decreased the risk of PPD by 48% compared to those unemployed. [148] Pregnant women holding a professional or technical position further decreased risk of PPD by 71%. Poor sleep quality was associated with recurrence of PPD in women with previous history of depression. [149] For each 1 point change in sleep quality score, a 25% increased risk of PPD was indicated.
Lack of exercise and postpartum weight retention have also been implicated as potential risk factors for PPD. The risk of PPD increased 154% in women who had retained at least 5 kg (11 lb.) of pregnancy weight. [150] The odds of retaining at least 5 kg in the first year postpartum increased 24% for every hour spent watching television/day and 33% for every 0.5% increment of daily caloric intake as trans fat, which is representative of an unhealthy, processed diet. [151] The same study also determined that for every hour spent walking per day the odds of retaining pregnancy weight decreased by 34%. Interestingly, women with greater knowledge in nutrition retained significantly less pregnancy weight than their uneducated counterparts. [152] Therefore, nutritional education may be an important factor in reducing weight retention and thus, decreasing the risk of PPD.
Summary and Practical Recommendations
PPD is a disorder that will affect a significant number of pregnant and lactating women coming into our offices; therefore, it is important to understand some of the factors that may increase PPD risk and general recommendations to make to your patients. The current review highlights the impact nutrition may have on the etiology of this debilitating disorder, most notably on prevention of inflammation and maintenance of a healthy central nervous system. Protein, essential fatty acids, and numerous vitamins and minerals are depleted during pregnancy when dietary intake is insufficient. Folate and iron have been shown to take several months for repletion to occur. Birth spacing between weaning of one child and conception of the next should ideally be >18 months; although some of the negative pregnancy outcomes associated with closer spacing was reduced in women supplemented with folic acid. Many of the nutrient deficiencies found to be associated with an increased risk in PPD are also depleted during normal pregnancy and lactation, such as n-3 fatty acids, folate, iron, and zinc. Although several of these nutritional factors are present in prenatal supplements, they compete for absorption in the digestive tract. Ideally these micronutrients should be taken separately, but if the patient prefers not to take multiple pills daily, a single prenatal multivitamin supplement is better than nothing. Tips for maximizing absorption of single nutrient supplements are as follows:
Iron and folic acid supplements can be taken simultaneously shortly after a meal.
Vitamin D, n-3 as pure or primarily EPA, and calcium can be taken together at a meal containing at least 5–10 g of fat to increase absorption of the n-3 and lipidsoluble vitamin D.
Zinc should be taken alone and on an empty stomach, 1 hour prior to a meal or 2 hours following a meal.
Depressed patients not responding to antidepressant therapy may benefit from supplementation of folate, zinc, or EPA. Female patients of childbearing age may also benefit from an encouraging discussion on the advantages of healthy eating and exercise in preventing PPD. Overall, there are several nutritional and non-nutritional risk factors for PPD. Screening for PPD is not standardized and many women with PPD are not diagnosed; therefore, adding the PDSS or EPDS surveys to your diagnostic toolbox may provide an added service to patients not currently being assisted in other healthcare realms.
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