Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy and the Concentration of Fatty Acids in Breast Milk

Citation

Keim, Sarah A.; Daniels, Julie L.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Dole, Nancy; Herring, Amy H.; & Scheidt, Peter C. (2012). Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy and the Concentration of Fatty Acids in Breast Milk. Journal of Human Lactation, 28(2), 189-195. PMCID: PMC3609547

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms in pregnancy and the concentration of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in breast milk. Women (n = 287) enrolled in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in pregnancy (< 20 and 24-29 weeks) and had LCPUFAs measured in breast milk (4 months postpartum). Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between depressive symptoms and breast milk LCPUFAs. Increasing depressive symptoms at < 20 weeks were associated with lower docosahexaenoic acid concentrations (adjusted beta = -1.15, 95% confidence interval = -2.12, -0.19). No similar associations were observed with other fatty acids nor between symptoms at 24-29 weeks and LCPUFAs. Depressive symptoms, even in the subclinical range, early in pregnancy are inversely associated with breast milk docosahexaenoic acid. This may have implications for the timing of screening and interventions for perinatal depression and the nutritional value of breast milk.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0890334411424727

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2012

Journal Title

Journal of Human Lactation

Author(s)

Keim, Sarah A.
Daniels, Julie L.
Siega-Riz, Anna Maria
Dole, Nancy
Herring, Amy H.
Scheidt, Peter C.

PMCID

PMC3609547

ORCiD

Siega-Riz - 0000-0002-1303-4248
Dole - 0000-0002-2113-7984