Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) February 11, 2013
Postpartum depression is not only debilitating for women, but it can also have profound effects on their babies. Babies born to depressed mothers can be slower in reaching development milestones and are at higher risk for behavioral problems and learning disabilities later in life. Women are at the highest risk of depression during their childbearing years, and the risk peaks during the first year after giving birth. Studies suggest 10 to 15 per cent of new mothers are at risk of postpartum depression.
In a recent article appearing in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, researchers from the University of Montreal found evidence suggesting a link between postpartum depression and how omega-3 fatty acids, such as found in Omega XL, work with a gene that regulates serotonin, the so-called “feel good” hormone. A woman’s omega-3 levels fall during pregnancy. Stores of omega-3 fatty acids are transferred from the mother to her growing baby during pregnancy, and later through her breast milk. A woman’s levels of omega-3s remain lowered for at least six weeks after giving birth. Researchers suggest that serotonin, depleted by pregnancy, can be replenished by adding sources of omega-3 to the diets of pregnant women and new mothers.
According to the study’s lead researcher, the literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin – a mood regulator – to be released into our brains. A woman’s serotonin levels wane during pregnancy. The research team hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids can counteract this drop in serotonin production by boosting activity of the 5-HTT gene – the gene controls the level and function of serotonin on synapses in the brain.
To support their hypothesis, the researchers combed the medical literature for studies on omega-3 fatty acids and postpartum depression in conjunction with the 5-HTT gene. A subsequent review of 75 articles suggested omega-3 fats and the serotonin gene 5-HTT work in tandem with each other to affect the same part of the brain neurologically.
These findings come on the heels of other recent studies such as one recently published by France’s Institute of Neurobiology confirming that Omega-3 fatty acids – especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – are vital for normal brain development and neuronal function and can influence our moods and emotional stability. Therefore, fatty-acid deficiency can make human beings more prone to stress and psychological symptoms such as depression, adjustment disorders, violence or suicide. Earlier studies have found diets high in fish (a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids) reduce the risk of dementia and stroke. Studies have also linked higher consumption of omega-3s with a lower risk for depression.
Widely respected authorities including the American Psychiatric Association and the British Pharmacological Society recommend omega-3 nutritional supplements for various other psychological pathologies including depression and bipolar disorder, depression associated with the female reproductive cycle, as well as for preventative purposes, particularly in cases resistant to standard treatments.
In order to reach omega-3 levels necessary to combat such conditions, it is recommended that individuals should consume at least four servings of cold-water fish per week, however relatively few Westerners manage to do so. Therefore, high quality omega-3 supplements are highly recommended to support healthy omega-3 levels, especially for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Omega XL is one of only two Omega 3 supplements sold in the world that contains the patented stabilized marine lipid extract PCSO-524™ derived only from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, with 30 healthy fatty acids including DHA and EPA. Sold in other parts of the world under its sister brand name Lyprinol, Omega XL is manufactured exclusively by Great HealthWorks Inc., and is the most widely available omega-3 fish oil supplement containing the potent PCSO-524™ marine lipid extract. To find more information about Omega XL and PCSO-524™ visit http://www.OmegaXL.com
Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Volume 57, 26 Nov. 2012, Number 11, pages 704 – 712 doi:
Emerging Risk Factors For Post Partum Depression: Serotonin Transporter Genotype and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status
About Great HealthWorks, Inc.
Great HealthWorks, founded in 2003, is a global manufacturer and distributor of one-of-a-kind, natural products. Great HealthWorks, the makers of Omega XL®, an all-natural, highly purified marine lipid extract from the green-lipped mussel (Perna Canaliculus) known as PCSO-524™. This patented marine lipid complex comes exclusively from the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand, and contains 30 healthy fatty acids. Great HealthWorks corporate headquarters and distribution center are in Hollywood, Florida. To find out more about Great Health Works, visit http://www.GreatHealthWorks.com. And for more information about the benefits of Omega XL, visit http://www.OmegaXL.com. Join the conversation: http://www.facebook.com/myomegaxl
