Exploring the impact of antenatal micronutrients used as a treatment for maternal depression on infant temperament in the first year of life

Abstract

Antenatal depression and maternal nutrition can influence infant temperament. Although broad-spectrum-micronutrients (BSM: vitamins and minerals) given above Recommended Dietary Allowances during pregnancy can mitigate symptoms of antenatal depression, their associated effects on infant temperament are unknown. One hundred and fourteen New Zealand mother-infant dyads (45 infants exposed to BSM during pregnancy (range of exposure during pregnancy: 12–182 days) to treat antenatal depressive symptoms (measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and 69 non-exposed infants) were followed antenatally and for 12 months postpartum to determine the influence of in utero BSM exposure on infant temperament. The Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised: Very Short-Form assessed temperament at 4 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 (T3) months postpartum via online questionnaire. Latent growth curve modeling showed BSM exposure, antenatal depression and infant sex did not statistically significantly predict initial levels or longitudinal changes in orienting/regulatory capacity (ORC), positive affectivity/surgency (PAS) or negative affectivity (NEG). Higher gestational age was positively associated with initial PAS, and smaller increases between T1 and T3. Breastfeeding occurrence was positively associated with initial NEG. Although not significant, BSM exposure exerted small, positive effects on initial NEG (β = −0.116) and longitudinal changes in ORC (β = 0.266) and NEG (β = −0.235). While BSM exposure did not significantly predict infant temperament, it may mitigate risks associated with antenatal depression. BSM-exposed infants displayed temperamental characteristics on par with typical pregnancies, supporting the safety of BSM treatment for antenatal depression.

Efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment on symptoms of antenatal depression: 12-week fully blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial (NUTRIMUM)

“…Observational follow-up of the infants born to these mothers who took micronutrients antenatally showed positive effects on infant regulation, on par with or better than typical pregnancies and superior to antidepressants, 65 and no observed negative effects on temperament up to 1 year. 66 Blood tests suggested that increased micronutrient intake resulted in meaningful increases in vitamins B12 and D, with other research on this sample documenting that there were fewer women developing vitamin C deficiency for those in the micronutrient group compared with placebo. 67 The reduction in homocysteine in the micronutrient group provides insight into one potential mechanism of action in that the micronutrients may positively affect the methylation cycle, a cycle that supports the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant.…”

“…However, replication with larger sample sizes, more severe pathology and more diverse population is imperative because of the preliminary nature of this study. The high placebo effect achieved with fewer side-effects than antidepressants and with positive infant outcomes 65,66 should be welcomed by patients and clinicians trying to navigate options during pregnancy, given the lack of controlled trials of antidepressants during the antenatal period. These findings align with the growing body of literature highlighting the potential advantage of an abundant nutritional environment in improving brain health.…”