A Trial of Postpartum Omega-3 and Vitamin D Supplementation for Preventing Depressive Relapse in High-Risk Mothers
Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression is a disabling maternal mental health condition, and women with a prior history of major depressive disorder are at increased risk of relapse after childbirth. Nutritional factors, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, may influence mood regulation through inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and neurotransmitter-related pathways. Objective: To determine whether combined postpartum supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D reduces depressive relapse and improves depressive symptom severity among high-risk mothers. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 72 postpartum women within six weeks of delivery in South Punjab, Pakistan, all with a documented history of major depressive disorder but no active depressive episode at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to receive daily combined omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplementation or standard postpartum care for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was recurrence of a major depressive episode. Secondary outcomes included changes in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. Results: Depressive relapse occurred in 5 of 36 participants in the supplementation group and 13 of 36 in the control group, corresponding to relapse rates of 13.9% and 36.1%, respectively. At 12 weeks, the supplementation group showed greater improvement in EPDS scores and HDRS scores than the control group. Adherence was high, and no serious adverse events…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 72 participants or records.
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