High Levels of Depressive Symptoms in Pregnancy with Low Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake From Fish
Authors: Jean Golding, et al.
Journal: Journal of Epidemiology, July 2009
Summary: Depression during pregnancy is more common than post-partum depression and can negatively affect both moms and babies. Preventing depression during pregnancy is important because antidepressant use in pregnancy may not be advised. Researchers studied over 14,000 women 32 weeks in to their pregnancy to determine if low seafood intake increases depression risk. Results show pregnant mothers who ate no seafood were about 50 percent more likely to have symptoms of depression than pregnant mothers who ate the most seafood (at least three servings of fish a week). Researchers concluded the U.S. FDA/EPA advice to eat no more than 2-3 servings of fish per week during pregnancy could increase the risk of poor mental well-being among pregnant mothers.
*PRESS RELEASE* Eating Seafood While Pregnant May Boost Mood