1. Introduction
depression, Depression, perinatal mood instability, anxiety
REGRESSION, EVENTS, SECONDARY
We investigated the postpartum mental health of women who had consumed perilla oil or fish oil containing various omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks starting in mid-pregnancy. The association between fatty acids in maternal erythrocytes and mental health risk factors was also examined. Healthy Japanese primiparas in mid-pregnancy (gestational weeks 18–25) were randomly divided into two groups and consumed approximately 2.0 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids in either perilla oil (the ALA dose was 2.4 g/day) or fish oil (the EPA + DHA dose was 1.7 g/day) for 12 weeks. Maternal mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as the primary measure and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) as the secondary measure. Data from an observational study were used as a historical control. Maternal blood, cord blood, and colostrum samples were collected for fatty acid composition analysis. In addition, completers of the observational studies were enrolled in a case–control study, wherein logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between maternal fatty acids and EPDS score. The proportion of participants with a high EPDS score (≥9) was significantly lower in the perilla oil group (12.0%, For women, pregnancy and childbirth are significant life events accompanied by changes in hormone activity, anxiety about childcare, and changes in life routines and health behaviors. During these events, perinatal mood instability is common, and this can lead to baby blues and postnatal depression. In particular, anxiety factors are increased when mothers are primiparous and/or older [Omega-3 fatty acids are important for health; however, they are not synthesized in the body and must be consumed directly from the diet. Major omega-3 fatty acids include α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA, which is contained in perilla oil and linseed oil, is metabolized in vivo and partially converted to EPA and DHA. In addition, EPA and DHA can be obtained by consuming fish oil [The present study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on perinatal mental health by examining the degree of psychological distress 1 month after giving birth using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as well as the degree of attachment with their children using the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) in mothers who consumed omega-3 fatty acids in either perilla oil or fish oil. In addition, a case–control study was conducted to evaluate the association between prenatal erythrocyte fatty acid levels and postpartum mental health.