Levels of n -3 and n -6 Fatty Acids in Maternal Erythrocytes during Pregnancy and in Human Milk and Its Association with Perinatal Mental Health

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid ( -3 FA) status may be associated with mood disorders. Here, we evaluated the potential association between antenatal depression/anxiety and -3/ -6 FA in (a) maternal erythrocytes and (b) human milk. In addition, we explored associations between -3/ -6 FA in erythrocytes and in human milk and postpartum depression, while controlling for antenatal depression. Twenty-seven pregnant women diagnosed with a current major depressive disorder (MDD; = 9), anxiety disorder (AD; = 10) or a mixed anxiety-depression disorder (MADD; = 8), and 40 healthy controls were included. -3/ -6 FA were determined in maternal erythrocytes in gestational week 32 and in human milk in postpartum week 1. In the first week postpartum, the - - - was used to assess postpartum depression. Results show that women with M(A)DD had significantly lower erythrocyte levels of total -3 FA, EPA, DHA and DGLA, and significantly higher -6 DPA, and -6: -3, AA:EPA and -6 DPA:DHA ratios compared to healthy controls. No significant associations between antenatal depression or anxiety and -3/ -6 FA in human milk were found. After controlling for antenatal mental health, -3/ -6 FA in maternal erythrocytes or in human milk were not significantly associated with postpartum depression. In conclusion, antenatal depression, alone or with an anxiety disorder, was associated with lower -3 FA levels and higher -6: -3 FA ratios in maternal erythrocytes during gestation. This study provides some insights into the associations between -3/ -6 FA levels during pregnancy and lactation and perinatal mental health.