Omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of postpartum depression: Negative data from a preliminary, open-label pilot study
- 12 February 2004
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Hindawi Limited in Depression and Anxiety
- Vol. 19 (1), 20-23
- https://doi.org/10.1002/da.10148
Abstract
Based on the putative relationship between depleted omega-3 fatty acids and postpartum depression, we initiated an open-label pilot study of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with the aim of preventing postpartum depression. Euthymic pregnant females with a past history of depression in the postpartum period were started on 2,960mg of fish oil (1.4:1 eicosapentaenoic acid:docosahexaenoic acid) per day between the 34th to 36th week of pregnancy and assessed through 12 weeks postpartum. Four of seven participants had a depressive episode during the study period. No participants withdrew from the study due to adverse events. This preliminary, small, open-label pilot study failed to show promising results for the use of omega-3 fatty acid monotherapy beginning at 34 to 36 weeks gestation for the prevention of postpartum depression in patients with a prior postpartum depression history. Controlled studies are lacking. Depression and Anxiety 19:20–23, 2004. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Keywords
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