Study: Probiotics Can Help Decrease Risk Of Postnatal Depression

A new study has found that pregnant women taking live bacteria tablets or probiotics while pregnant could decrease the risk of postnatal depression by half.

Researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago revealed that women at risk of depression while pregnant, or after giving birth, could benefit from increasing their intake of probiotics during pregnancy.

Probiotics are live ‘friendly bacteria’ that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are typically found in fermented foods including cultured yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi and kombucha tea.

The bacteria found in probiotic products come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. The study looked at the health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001.

The study, funded by the Health Research Council and Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, surveyed 423 women who were between 14 and 16 weeks pregnant. Of this group, 212 women were given probiotics and 211 were given a placebo. They were given capsules daily from the time of enrollment through to six months after they’d given birth, if they were breastfeeding.

The study found that taking a probiotic tablet once a day during pregnancy and in the first six months after birth halved a mother’s risk of clinically significant anxiety.

Dr Rebecca Slykerman, the study’s lead author, said that the findings could potentially offer mothers a simple way to manage their mental health.

“Woman are unable to access psychological therapy or are reluctant to take antidepressant medication in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

“Furthermore it takes several weeks for the therapeutic effect of antidepressants to appear and there is a 15-30 per cent discontinuation rate.

“Safe and effective therapies to prevent and treat postnatal depression,” she said.

Fonterra Programme Manager Nutrition Dr James Dekker said they are encouraged by the results. “It is pleasing to see more evidence of the health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, one of Fonterra’s two probiotics. As we know not all probiotics are created equal and there needs to be sound evidence for the benefits for each probiotic strain,” he said.

However, it is best for women considering taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy to always consult with their doctor.

In Australia, depression affects one in ten pregnant women, and almost one in seven are affected during the first year after birth.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk