Previous studies have shown an association between the intake of dairy products during pregnancy and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). However, the effect of postpartum intake of dairy products on PPD is not fully understood. This study evaluates the effects of dairy products and nutrient intake after childbirth on the risk of PPD. A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted asking participants to fill out a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess intake of dairy products and other nutrients. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for PPD symptoms. Out of 530 participants, almost three-quarters subjectively reported PPD (N = 395, 74.11%). The risk of PPD was relatively high for a Q1 level of consumption of all four dairy products and other nutrients, and from Q2 to Q4 there appeared to be an increase in the risk of PPD as consumption increased. However, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no significant association between postpartum intake of dairy products and other nutrients and PPD. The results indicate that the potential of dairy products and nutrient intake to reduce PPD are minimal. Further longitudinal and intervention studies of dairy products and other (particularly anti-depressants) nutrients are required to draw firm conclusions about their associations with the risk of PPD.
Keywords: childbirth; dairy; depression; nutrition; postpartum.