Omega-3 essential fatty acids may significantly reduce the risk of depression in pregnancy, new research claims.

This study by National Institutes of Health and University of Illinois-Chicago researchers found pregnant women who had a deficient intake of omega-3 acids had double the risk of depression than women with a normal to high intake.

"During pregnancy, the baby gets omega-3 at the expense of the mother," explains study co-author Dr. John Davis, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Using British data compiled from 14,541 women who were expected to deliver between 1991 and 1992, the researchers used a statistical model to analyze the association between omega-3 fatty acids and depression.

The subjects' omega-3 intake was recorded at 32 weeks' gestation and was compared to the mothers' scores on a standardized depression test given at 18 and 32 weeks' gestation and again at eight and 32 weeks after birth.

Their findings were supported by an additional analysis, which showed that in countries where omega-3 intake is the highest, the incidence of depression appears to be the lowest.

"We suspect that too little omega-3 in the diet may be a risk factor for depression," Davis says.

"The results are consistent with prior epidemiological work and consistent with more recent clinical trial work," says Dr. Andrew Stoll, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University.

According to Stoll, fatty cold-water fish such as salmon and omega-3 supplemented eggs are excellent sources of the healthful nutrient.

Find more tips for a healthy pregnancy at HealthyOntario.

March 2004

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