Dietary ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acid intake, breastfeeding and postpartum depression, in Cordoba

Abstract

Abstract: 

The consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during postpartum is essential. Consumption of ω-3 PUFA has been observed to have preventive actions in several psychiatric disorders; among them, postpartum depression (PPD). The quality of the diet and the overall nutritional status of the mother may influence the risk of PPD and despite the loss of nutrients through breastfeeding (BF), several investigations showed that PPD is less frequent in lactating women.

The objective was to analyze the consumption of foods source of PUFA ω-3 and ω-6, the type of breastfeeding and its association with the risk of PPD in postpartum women attended in public and private health centers in the city of Cordoba between May and June 2019. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was developed in a sample of 50 women aged 18-45 years within the first postpartum semester. A validated food frequency questionnaire was applied to evaluate the intake and estimate the consumption of PUFA and the Edinburgh Scale to know the risk of PPD. Sociodemographic variables and BF practice were also investigated. A binomial response logistic regression model was fitted (presence/absence of PPD risk) including PUFA intake, BF, and other determinants as covariates. 68% of women failed to meet the nutritional recommendations for ω-3 PUFA and 100% met those for ω-6. BF was exclusive in 46% of the women, 38% accompanied with substitutes and 16% did not breastfeed. 42% were at risk of PPD. An inverse relationship was found between the occurrence of PPD risk and the presence of BF, and the intake of ω-6 PUFA. A higher occurrence of PPD risk was observed the longer the time elapsed since delivery and a lower occurrence of PPD in women of high socioeconomic level. In the maternal puerperium there are potentially modifiable factors such as the practice of BF and nutrition that can reduce the risk of PPD and contribute to the well-being of women and families.