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Given the substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with postpartum depression, effective interventions are critical. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for depression during pregnancy have yielded mixed results; studies using higher PUFA doses showed greater benefit but had smaller sample sizes. RCTs of PUFAs for preventing postpartum depression are lacking — and it's unclear whether intake of fish or PUFAs is more important.
Researchers for the Japan Environment and Children's Study evaluated 6- and 12-month postpartum outcomes in 84,181 and 81,924 pregnancies, respectively. Self-reported fish consumption during mid and late pregnancy was assessed, and both fish and PUFA intake were …