Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Pregnancy on Postpartum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomised Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 28943228 · doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.09.013
What was done
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 423 pregnant women recruited at 14–16 weeks gestation in New Zealand to receive either daily Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (n = 212) or placebo (n = 211) from enrollment until 6 months postpartum if breastfeeding. Maternal postpartum depression and anxiety were evaluated as secondary outcomes (primary outcome was infant eczema at 12 months) using modified versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and State Trait Anxiety Inventory.
What was found
A total of 380 women (89.8%; 193 probiotic, 187 placebo) completed psychological assessments. Mothers in the HN001 group reported significantly lower mean depression scores (7.7, SD 5.4 vs. 9.0, SD 6.0; effect size -1.2, 95% CI -2.3 to -0.1, p = 0.037) and anxiety scores (12.0, SD 4.0 vs. 13.0, SD 4.0; effect size -1.0, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.2, p = 0.014). Rates of clinically relevant anxiety on screening (score > 15) were significantly lower in the probiotic group (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.73, p = 0.002).
Why it matters
This study provides randomized evidence that targeted maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation may reduce postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Limits
Mood measures were secondary trial endpoints rather than the primary outcome, and were measured using modified self-report screening questionnaires instead of formal clinical diagnostic interviews. Continued postpartum supplementation was limited to mothers who breastfed.
Cited by
- supports Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic strains have been shown to reduce anxiety in human clinical trials.