Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Decrease Postpartum Depression - study

08/12/05 A new clinical study shows positive effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on postpartum depression (1), a common medical condition that affects 10-15 percent of new mothers and can cause serious issues with a woman's mental health. The study, a randomized dose-ranging pilot trial of Omega-3 fatty acids for post-partum depression, was conducted by M.P. Freeman, J.R. Hibbeln, K.L. Wiesner, B.H Brumbacht, M.Watchman, A.J.Gelenberg.

The EPAX Omega-3 oil used in the clinical study was provided by Epax AS, the leading supplier of concentrated Omega-3 EPA/DHA fatty acids and previously a division of Pronova Biocare AS.

"Omega-3 fatty acids were assessed in a double-blind dose-ranging trial. A combination of Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids provided by EPAX AS was utilized," says Marlene P. Freeman, M.D., director of the Women's Mental Health Program and assistant professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. "Subjects in the trial were randomized to 0.5 g, 1.4 g, or 2.8 g per day (N=16).  Among all three doses, patients with postpartum depression improved substantially during the trial. Scores on depression measures decreased by approximately 50 percent, and differences were statistically significant." The Omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated.

In addition, a larger, placebo-controlled trial for perinatal depression is now in progress at the University of Arizona (Marlene P. Freeman, M.D. and colleagues).

The knowledge of the health benefits of marine Omega-3 fatty acids is growing worldwide. Scientific evidence continues to mount, representing an opportunity for the treatment and prevention of common diseases. The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization both support the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, citing their importance in maintaining good health.