Omega-3 Deficiency: More Than Double the Risk of Postpartum Depression

A dietary imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids greater than a 9:1 ratio increases the risk of postpartum depression. This news comes from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where Camilla da Rocha and Gilberto Kac studied the effect of an unbalanced intake between different fatty acid types on the incidence of this disorder. The study, published in the journal Maternal and Child Nutrition, confirms the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in regulating mechanisms responsible for mental health.

Postpartum Depression: The Role of Omega-3

Several previous studies have shown the importance of Omega-3 for women’s health. Among the benefits found is the positive effect of these nutrients on pregnancy outcomes and maternal health after childbirth. Observational studies have suggested a correlation between low Omega-3 levels and a higher risk of postpartum depression.

However, the typical diet of today’s Western societies is skewed toward a higher consumption of Omega-6. This increases the risk of Omega-3 deficiency, which could endanger women’s psychological well-being immediately after childbirth. The Brazilian researchers sought to explore whether an unbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio favoring the former was associated with an increased likelihood of postpartum depression.

Research Results

The study involved 106 first-time pregnant women and was conducted in Rio de Janeiro between 2005 and 2007. Participants were monitored four times during pregnancy and once after childbirth. Besides assessing postpartum depression using a specific scale, the researchers had the women complete a dietary habits questionnaire during the first trimester. Overall, data were collected on socio-demographic conditions, obstetric situation, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and diet composition. The results showed a postpartum depression frequency of 26.4%, with a higher incidence among women whose Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio was greater than 9 to 1. Another finding was that women with a pre-pregnancy BMI below 18.5 were more likely to suffer from the disorder.

Omega-3 Deficiency Increases the Risk of Postpartum Depression

The study authors chose to evaluate the effect of an Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio above 9 to 1 because this is the level recommended by specialists. The data indicate that exceeding this level increases the likelihood of postpartum depression by 2.5 times. The findings also confirm the importance of a proper fatty acid intake to ensure psychological well-being after childbirth.  

Source 

1. da Rocha CM, Kac G, “High dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated acids during pregnancy and prevalence of post-partum depression”, Matern Child Nutr. 2012 Jan;8(1):36-48. doi: