WASHINGTON/PRNewswire/ — Pregnant women and their children benefit significantly from increased fish consumption, according to a new study conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The ecological study showed that seafood consumption and the Omega-3 fatty acid content of mothers’ milk could predict the likelihood of postpartum depression across countries.
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The study found an inverse relationship between fish consumption and postpartum depression in 23 countries, as demonstrated by a sample of the data in the following table:
Lbs. Fish Consumed % of Women Reporting
/ Year Postpartum Depression
South Africa 8.6 24.5%
United States 48.1 11.1%
Singapore 81.1 0.5%
The research report (published in the October 2001 Journal of Affective Disorders) analyzed 14,532 subjects and found that higher Omega-3 fatty acid content in mothers’ milk and higher seafood consumption were both associated with lower rates of postpartum depression. Researchers also discovered that the breast milk of women who eat a lot of fish contains high levels of this valuable fatty acid, known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Fish and seafood are also excellent dietary sources of DHA. High-levels of DHA reduce the risk of heart disease and are essential to develop a normal nervous system in infants. Fatty acids and fish oil also play a beneficial role in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and can ease the pain of arthritis.
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By GlobalDataFurthermore, health and nutrition associations have cited other benefits of fish consumption. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat “at least two servings of fish per week” for its heart-health benefits.
U.S. Tuna Foundation National Director Randi Thomas explains, “this new study adds to the long list of startling health benefits scientists believe Omega-3s fatty acids provide to pregnant women and small children. The most convenient, economical source of Omega-3s for moms and kids is, quite simply, canned tuna!”
U.S. Tuna Foundation is the national organization representing the processors and marketers of canned tuna.
SOURCE: U.S. Tuna Foundation
