Taking probiotics in pregnancy helps post-natal depression
- New research reveals the benefits of taking probiotics during pregnancy
- Probiotics are a live ‘bacteria’ that can be found in fermented foods
- Study points to a simple way mothers could manage their mental health
- The outcome of this trial suggests an alternative to traditional medications
Emilia Mazza For Daily Mail Australia
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Women at risk of depression while pregnant, or after giving birth, could benefit from increasing their intake of probiotics during pregnancy, according to a recent New Zealand study.
In Australia, figures show that depression can affect up to one in ten women while they are pregnant, and almost one in seven are affected during the first year after birth.
Researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago surveyed a sample group of 423 women who were between 14 and 16 weeks pregnant.
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, the research found.
In Australia, depression can affect up to one in 10 women while they are pregnant, and almost one in seven are affected during the first year after birth (stock picture)
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Of this group, 212 women were given probiotics and 211 were given a placebo.
Those in the programme were given capsules daily from the time of enrollment through to six months after they’d given birth, if they were breastfeeding.
Probiotics are live ‘friendly bacteria’ that when consumed in adequate amounts provide health benefits to most.
They are typically found in fermented foods including cultured yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi and kombucha tea.
Probiotics can be found fermented foods including some varieties of cultured yoghurt (stock picture)
According to the study’s lead author, Dr Rebecca Slykerman, findings from the research were positive and 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,’ Dr Slykerman said.
Findings from the research were positive and could potentially offer mothers a simple way to manage their mental health (stock picture)
While the outcome of this trial could point to an alternative to traditional medications, Dr Slykerman cautions ‘the results must be replicated before recommending probiotics to all pregnant women.’
The bacteria found in probiotic products come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
This study, funded by the Health Research Council and Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, looked at the health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001.
The bacteria found in probiotic products come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium (stock picture)
Fonterra Programme Manager Nutrition Dr James Dekker said the Co-operative is 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.’
Women considering taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy should always consult with their doctor.
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