A Trial of Postpartum Omega-3 and Vitamin D Supplementation for Preventing Depressive Relapse in High-Risk Mothers
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Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression is a disabling maternal mental health condition, and women with a prior history of major depressive disorder are at increased risk of relapse after childbirth. Nutritional factors, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, may influence mood regulation through inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and neurotransmitter-related pathways. Objective: To determine whether combined postpartum supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D reduces depressive relapse and improves depressive symptom severity among high-risk mothers. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 72 postpartum women within six weeks of delivery in South Punjab, Pakistan, all with a documented history of major depressive disorder but no active depressive episode at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to receive daily combined omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplementation or standard postpartum care for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was recurrence of a major depressive episode. Secondary outcomes included changes in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. Results: Depressive relapse occurred in 5 of 36 participants in the supplementation group and 13 of 36 in the control group, corresponding to relapse rates of 13.9% and 36.1%, respectively. At 12 weeks, the supplementation group showed greater improvement in EPDS scores and HDRS scores than the control group. Adherence was high, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Combined omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplementation was associated with reduced depressive relapse and improved mood stability among high-risk postpartum mothers
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