Dive Brief:
- Researchers at the University of Auckland and Otago in New Zealand recently found that women given a probiotic — lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 — during and after pregnancy had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores than women given a placebo.
- The study recruited 423 women in Auckland and Wellington between December 2012 and November 2014 who were all between 14 and 16 weeks pregnant. Of that group, 212 women were given the probiotic and 211 a placebo. The capsules were taken daily from enrollment in the study until the baby's birth, and then from birth for a further six months if breastfeeding.
- The study, published by EBioMedicine, was funded by the New Zealand-based Fonterra dairy cooperative and the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Dive Insight:
About one in 10 women experiences postpartum depression, which can last for months. But it doesn't just impact new mothers. Researchers say it can also have long-term impacts on the baby.
"There is mounting evidence from animal studies that the microbiome-gut-brain axis — the biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system — may be important for mental health," said Dr. Ed Mitchell, a pediatrician and university faculty member who worked on the study.
Gut health and the microbiome generate voluminous interest in the food and beverage industry and among health-conscious consumers. Probiotics are thought to promote healthy digestive bacteria, which makes them a key functional ingredient for manufacturers to consider. Research has revealed how gut health can impact immunity and brain functions, which are more important to today's consumers than following a low-fat diet.
There’s no slowdown in global demand for probiotic-fortified foods and beverages, according to Michael Bush, executive board president for the International Probiotics Association. “The U.S. is the fastest growing probiotic market,” he told Food Business News.
While the New Zealand study results are significant and probiotics might be a safe, easily available and cost-effective treatment for pregnant woman and breastfeeding mothers, the lead author cautioned that more data are needed before recommending that all pregnant women take probiotics. However, advocacy groups say that probiotics are safe for use during pregnancy. Previous studies have found other positive connections between probiotic use and pregnancy, including reduced risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Studies have found that they also help improve health of the baby.
Treatment options for postpartum depression can involve talking with mental health providers, antidepressants, or hospitalization. Preventing it, however, might save a lot of effort and medical intervention that could interfere with breastfeeding or mother-child bonding.