A new study has suggested way to deal with postpartum depression. The new study says that low levels of omega-3 - fatty acids common in in marine life, may be the reason for postpartum depression.
The study led by Gabriel Shapiro of the University of Montreal and the Research Centre at the Sainte-Justine Mother and Child Hospital, women are the most prone to depression during their childbearing years, and the birth of a child may trigger a episode of depression in vulnerable women.
Postpartum depression is related to reduced maternal health as well as developmental and health problems for her child.
"The literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3 and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin, a mood regulator, to be released into our brains," Shapiro said.
"Many women could bring their omega-3 intake to recommended levels," Shapiro said.
As omega-3 is transferred from the mother to her fetus and later to her breastfeeding infant, omega-3 levels in mothers decrease during pregnancy, and remain lowered for at least six-weeks after the birth.
Apart from the specific biological circumstances of pregnant women, it was observed that most people do not consume sufficient amounts of omega-3.
"These findings suggest that new screening strategies and prevention practices may be useful," Shapiro has been quoted as saying.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has published the findings of this research.
--with inputs from ANI
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