Condition
Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression is low mood that arises during pregnancy or after birth, when big hormone shifts and disrupted sleep can change how the brain regulates mood. Omega-3 fats from fish oil have the most research behind them, and trials found depression symptoms eased. Still, the evidence is limited, the studies were small, and vitamin D, iron, folate and probiotics have even less to go on.
Sources: PMID 12748510; PMID 18247194
- Supplements studied
- 1
- Graded outcomes
- 1
- Trials
- 1
- People studied
- 3,991
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
Key findings
- Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
The Perinatal Depression Support protocol
2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids2–3 g EPA+DHA daily (EPA dominant for depression)
- Vitamin D2,000–4,000 IU daily (safe in pregnancy at these doses)
Studies cited
3 studies from PubMed
- Effect of Bright Light Therapy on Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Effet de la luminothérapie sur la dépression périnatale: une revue systématique et une méta-analyse.
- Efficacy of bright light therapy improves outcomes of perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Non-pharmacological interventions for perinatal depression and anxiety among adolescent mothers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.