Recent Advance in Understanding Vitamin D in Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental disorder that affects approximately 20% women after giving birth worldwide. The common PPD symptoms include loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts, withdrawal from loved ones and babies. PPD not only affects mothers’ mental health but also results in mother-infant attachment and bonding problems. Though the exact PPD etiology remains poorly understood, cumulative studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with PPD, and vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy greatly reduces PPD. This article specifically reviews the recent studies in the relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and PPD, vitamin D3 treatment for PPD prevention, and the potential mechanisms by which vitamin D3 deficiency results in PPD.