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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
A Systematic Review of the Correlation Between Micronutrient Levels and Perinatal Depression
Nabilah Islam1, Annalese Semmler2, Jean Starling3
1Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
Perinatal depression may be linked to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D. Further research is needed to confirm the roles of other vitamins and minerals in maternal mental health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Perinatal Mental Health
Background:
- Perinatal depression poses significant risks to maternal and child well-being.
- Micronutrient imbalances may influence neurotransmitter synthesis and neuroendocrine/neuroimmune pathways.
- Increased physiological demands during pregnancy and postpartum heighten the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency shows the strongest evidence of association with perinatal depression.
- Evidence for other micronutrients remains mixed, inconclusive, or limited.
- Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the role of various micronutrients in the development of perinatal depression.
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