Maternal iron and vitamin D status was associated with maternal depression during pregnancy

1. Higher serum levels of iron and vitamin D during the second trimester was associated with lower maternal depression scores during the third trimester.

2. Compared with participants who were iron and vitamin D replete, those who were either low in iron, vitamin D or both had significantly higher depression score during third trimester.

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

Adequate iron and vitamin D intake is an important part of proper nutrition during pregnancy since these micronutrients are associated with fetal neurodevelopment and maternal health. However, whether the currently recommended daily allowance of iron and vitamin D is sufficient during pregnancy is not well known. This study aimed to examine whether status of iron and vitamin D in pregnancy and postpartum is related to maternal health.

This was a cross-sectional study that included 2189 pregnant participants living in Alberta, Canada. Participants who were unable to answer questions in English or with plan to move outside of Alberta were excluded. Maternal intake of iron and vitamin D from supplements was estimated using self-reported Supplemental Intake Questionnaire and serum levels of both micronutrients were measured mid-pregnancy and at 3-month postpartum. The primary outcome measure was maternal depression assessed by the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The results demonstrated that serum concentration of vitamin D was significant lower at 3-month post-partum compared to during the second or third trimester. Higher serum levels of iron and vitamin D during the second trimester was associated with lower EPDS score during the third trimester. Furthermore, compared with participants who were iron and vitamin D replete, those who were either low in iron, vitamin D or both had significantly higher EPDS score during third trimester. This study was limited by one time measurement of serum vitamin D concentration during pregnancy which may not accurately represent serum levels of this micronutrient during gestation. Nonetheless, these results prompt further studies to better understand optimal vitamin D and iron supplementation to ensure both fetal developmental and maternal well-being.

Click here to read this study in The Journal of Nutrition

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