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Maternal Postpartum Diet and Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review
Rachelle S Opie1,2, Alison C Uldrich3, Kylie Ball3
1Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. rachelle.opie@deakin.edu.au.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|May 6, 2020
Summary
A healthy postpartum diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, may reduce the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Maternal Mental Health
- Perinatal Epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies indicate dietary patterns influence depression risk.
- Limited research exists on postpartum maternal diet and postpartum depression (PPD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the association between maternal postpartum diet and PPD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo).
- Inclusion of studies published between 1835 and April 2020.
- Analysis of six eligible studies (four cross-sectional, two cohort).
Main Results:
- Five of six studies found an inverse association between healthy postpartum diet and PPD symptoms.
- Greater adherence to a healthy diet correlated with fewer PPD symptoms.
- A balanced diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, fish, grains, legumes, and herbs may help reduce PPD incidence.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal maternal diet shows potential influence on PPD symptoms.
- Further longitudinal and intervention studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
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