USA: Vitamin D and Postpartum Depression

Results from a meta-analysis have suggested a possible association between vitamin D levels at mid-pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD). Considering this, women at risk for PPD should be made aware of this potential association and ways to maintain normal vitamin D levels.

Postpartum depression, a prevalent mood disorder, is estimated to affect 20%-40% of women worldwide after childbirth. Recent studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D on the prevention of depression and mood disorders, but it still remains unclear how vitamin D may affect PPD.

In the study, published in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology, Israa Mahmood, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA, and colleagues aimed to evaluate evidence regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) levels during pregnancy and its association with PPD.

For the study, the researchers accessed the primary literature. Inclusion criteria were:

• Human subjects
• English language
• Vitamin D as the sole micronutrient under study
• Measurement of vitamin D level during pregnancy

Studies measuring vitamin D levels after delivery were excluded. Any antenatal or prepartum depression was also excluded.

There were 3 published prospective cohort studies that specifically evaluated the relationship between vitamin D and PPD. The results are conflicting: 2 of these studies found a significant correlation between patients with low vitamin D levels and PPD, but the third found that high vitamin D levels are associated with a greater incidence of PPD.

"Available evidence suggests a possible correlation between vitamin D levels at mid-pregnancy and PPD," the authors wrote. "Further study is needed to determine the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in preventing PPD."

Women with risk factors for PPD should be educated on this potential association and ways to maintain normal vitamin D levels, they suggested.

Reference

1. Mahmood I, Owens CT, Hoover RM. Association Between Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression. Journal of Pharmacy Technology. 2015;31(5):223-227. doi:10.1177/8755122515579461