Fatty Acid Battles Postpartum Depression

DHA Found To Be Beneficial To Mothers, Infants

A fatty acid found in fish might be enough to reduce pregnant women's chances of developing postpartum depression -- and improve the neurological development of their babies.

David Kyle, the U.S. director of the Mother and Child Foundation, said that DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid mostly found in fish like tuna and salmon, can be beneficial to mothers and infants.

About 15 to 20 percent of women who give birth in the United States develop postpartum depression, according to Kyle, who spoke Monday at the 223rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

"We believe that the high incidence of postpartum depression in the United States may be triggered by a low dietary intake of DHA," he said.

While the fatty acid has been recognized as beneficial to infants, there has been less public awareness of the apparent link between DHA and postpartum depression, Kyle said. He cited several studies that have found the connection.

Kyle recommended that women who want to increase their own levels of DHA can either take dietary supplements, which are available in grocery stores and pharmacies, or eat grilled, broiled or baked fish.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the addition of DHA in infant formulas sold in this country. DHA-supplemented formula is already available in about 60 countries around the world, Kyle said.

The Mother and Child Foundation is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to studying the importance of the nutrition of mothers and its affect on their babies.

Previous Stories:

• March 13, 2002: Eat Fish To Reel In Health Benefits
• February 28, 2002: Get Your Daily Dose Of Fish Oil
• January 21, 2002: Think Before Feeding Children Fish
• October 9, 2001: Fish-Oil Ice Cream: Low In Fat, Good For Heart?
• January 15, 2001: Women: Eat Fish, Avoid A Stroke?

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