Title : Preconception maternal zinc intake and antenatal depression: The nuMoM2b study
Abstract:
Objectives: Depression is a common mental health issue during pregnancy. Previous studies suggested a potential link between zinc and mood regulation. We aimed to investigate preconception maternal zinc intake in relation to depression during pregnancy.
Methods: This secondary analysis utilized data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be (nuMoM2b) (n=10,038). Participants were followed prospectively during pregnancy with 4 study visits: visit 1 (60-136 weeks’ gestation, baseline), visit 2 (160-216 weeks’ gestation), visit 3 (220-296 weeks’ gestation), and visit 4 (at the time of delivery). Baseline dietary information was collected using the modified Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire, assessing intake three months prior to pregnancy. Zinc intake was obtained from dietary and supplemental sources. Prenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at baseline and visit 3. High scores (≥12) are strongly indicative of depressive symptomatology. A total of 3,661 participants with available data, plausible calorie intake and free of depression or mental health disorders (e.g., stress, anxiety) at baseline were included in the analysis. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine the association between zinc intake and the natural logarithmic-transformed EPDS score at visit 3.
Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, including demographics, lifestyle, and other dietary variables, an inverse association between zinc intake and EPDS score was observed. Comparing participants with the highestzinc intake (quintile 5) to those in the lowest intake quintile (quintile 1), the EPDS score was 15% lower (95% CI: 7%, 22%) (p for trend<0.01).
Conclusions: Data from this large cohort of US nulliparous women suggest an inverse association between preconception maternal zinc intake and antenatal depression risk.
Audience Take Away:
- Despite the biological plausibility, current research on zinc intake and depression in pregnant population is limited. This large-scale longitudinal study provides valuable insights into the role of zinc in mental health during pregnancy, filling a significant gap in the literature.
- Findings from this study highlight the importance of monitoring zinc status during pregnancy in terms of mental health among pregnant individuals.
- This study underscores the need for further research to establish causal inference and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
