Depression and anxiety in the pregnant Omani population in relation to their fatty acid intake and levels

Abstract

Introduction

Maternal depression during and after pregnancy is a worldwide public concern. Low omega-3 FAs levels and intake in women during pregnancy were associated with a high rate of maternal depression and poor pregnancy outcomes. The study examines the association between FAs intake and levels and prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among pregnant Arabic-speaking women in Oman.

Methodology

In 302 pregnant Omani women, level of depression and anxiety is assessed at the 8–12 and 24–28 weeks of pregnancy using the Arabic version of (EPDS). Seafood and the omega-3 FAs intakes of pregnant women has been quantified by using a validated (FFQ). FAs analysis of erythrocytes was carried out using the method of Folch et al.

Results

Maternal depression and anxiety symptoms (30.5 % and 26.1 %) were associated with low fish consumption and omega-3 FAs intake with depressive and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.01), Women with antenatal depression or anxiety symptoms had a lower erythrocyte concentration of arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), (p = 0.01), total omega 6 FAs, (p = 0.03), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) (p = 0.03), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) (p = 0.04), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) (p = 0.005), total omega 3 FAs (p = 0.005), omega-3 index (p = 0.01), compared to healthy pregnant women. These findings did not change after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Maternal omega-3 FAs exert a favourable effect on vital perinatal health outcomes. Fish and seafood intake or omega-3 FAs supplementation are highly recommended for women during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and fetus.