Maternal Fiber Intake and Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Mental Health Research
• Gut Microbiome Studies

Background:

• Dietary fiber influences gut microbiota, impacting the Gut-Brain Axis.
• The gut microbiome's role in neuropsychiatric conditions is recognized.
• The effect of antenatal fiber intake on maternal mental health is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal fiber intake and perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA).

Main Methods:

• A literature review of studies from 2015-2021 on pregnancy, diet, fiber, and mental health.
• Analysis of dietary patterns and food group consumption in relation to mental health outcomes.
• Spearman's correlation used to analyze the relationship between fiber intake and mental health.

Main Results:

• Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria; most focused on dietary patterns.
• A significant inverse association was found between the consumption ranking of top fiber foods and mental health outcomes (r = -0.419, p = 0.015).
• Non-depressed pregnant individuals consumed more top-ranking fiber foods.

Conclusions:

• Reframing existing research, this review highlights the specific role of fiber intake.
• A significant correlation between lower fiber intake and poorer maternal mental health outcomes suggests further investigation.
• Maternal fiber consumption may be a modifiable factor for perinatal mental health.