Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Postpartum Depression

With respect to the side effects of antidepressants, most clients prefer dietary supplements to chemical drugs in lactation period. This study was conducted to identify the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on postpartum depression This double blind clinical trial was carried out on 70 women with postpartum depression who referred to the selected health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University in 2007. Subjects were randomly divided into two 35-member groups receiving Omega-3 (a 1 gr. Capsule daily) and receiving placebo. Edinburg’s standard test was used to diagnose depression and Beck’s standard test was used to identify the severity of depressive symptoms. The severity of depression was identified before the intervention and in the first, second, third and fourth weeks after it. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 10), using Paired T-test, variance analysis with multiple measurements, Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test. Mean depression severities in the Omega-3 group were 18.1 before and 9.0 after the intervention with a significant difference (P<0.001). The corresponding figures in the placebo group were 17.5 and 17.2 with no significant difference (p=0.3). The decreasing trend of postpartum depression severity in the Omega-3 group was significantly different from the other group (P<0.001) Omega-3 is a suitable compound with no side effect for mothers and their infants in decreasing postpartum depression. Further studies with longer durations to identify its remission patterns are warranted.