Health & Wellness News From Byron J. Richards
PRINT RSS SHARE

Mothers with Low DHA at Risk for Depression

Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - Byron J. Richards, CCN
E-mail:

A new animal study shows that if a mother is lacking DHA during pregnancy she is much more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.  The authors concluded “the data are consistent with findings in depressed humans, and thus support a role for DHA as a factor in the etiologies of depressive illnesses, particularly postpartum depression.”

Of particular interest is that when DHA levels are low then one’s brain is more susceptible to cortisol damage because BDNF levels drop.  When there is not enough BDNF then stress induces more significant brain strain.  This new study is supported by earlier work on DHA and BDNF.

There is of course a large effort under way to target pregnant and nursing mothers with antidepressant drugs, drugs which carry serious birth defect risks including cardiovascular abnormalities (legislation is still pending).  On the other hand, DHA taken by a mother is associated with improved intelligence and better vision in her child.  The choice is rather obvious.

Related Entries: Omega 3 Fatty Acids Prevent Serious Mental Health Problems
DHA Rejuvenates Aging Brain Cells

###


Supplements that contain DHA

Supplements that support Stress & Mood

Other Health News

Pulling Data...
Loading Navigation...
Loading Content...

View complete Health News Archives
Categories:


Most Popular Health News:

Wellness Resources® Success Stories!