Could nutrition be the key to better mental health in pregnancy and birth outcomes?
A groundbreaking study has highlighted the potential benefits of broad-spectrum micronutrient (BSM) supplements for maternal mental health and birth outcomes. Published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, the research suggests that micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy may not only help to alleviate depressive symptoms (shown in the NUTRIMUM trial), but also improve birth outcomes. The study was co-authored by Professor Julia Rucklidge, a member of Think Through Nutrition's Science Advisory Board and a global leader in nutritional psychology.
About the study:
The research was an observation follow up of the NUTRIMUM trial, which involved a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that compared broad-spectrum micronutrients (BSM) supplementation to a placebo in pregnant women experiencing depression.
The observational follow up study included three groups:
Micronutrient Group: Mothers taking micronutrients for at least eight weeks to treat symptoms of antenatal depression.
Medication Group: Mothers using antidepressants during pregnancy to treat depression.
Reference Group: Mothers not using the NUTRIMUM micronutrients or psychiatric medications.
Key findings
While the core RCT assessed the impact of BSM on depressive symptoms compared to placebo, the non-randomised follow-up analysis explored potential differences in birth outcomes among different groups:
Healthier birth outcomes: Women who had taken BSM during pregnancy had better birth outcomes than those who had been on antidepressants.
Longer gestational age: Infants born to women in the BSM group had an average gestational age of 39.5 weeks, compared to 38.5 weeks in the antidepressant group.
Lower preterm birth rates: 5.5% of women in the BSM group experienced preterm birth, compared to 20% in the antidepressant group.
Improved newborn health: The need for infant resuscitation was lower in the BSM group (14.5%) compared to the antidepressant group (45%).
Reduced postnatal complications: Rates of postpartum haemorrhage were 7.7% in the BSM group, compared to 26.7% (antidepressant group) and 30% (reference group).
Professor Julia Rucklidge, renowned for her pioneering research in nutritional psychology, emphasised the importance of these findings:
“These findings reinforce what the research continues to show: nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. For pregnant women, broad-spectrum micronutrients offer a safe, effective alternative to antidepressants – one that supports both mother and baby.”
Why it matters?
This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting nutrition’s critical role in mental health and overall health outcomes. It also addresses concerns about the potential risks of antidepressants during pregnancy, offering a natural, evidence-based alternative for pregnant women experiencing antenatal depression. While further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of BSM use during and after pregnancy, these results strengthen the case for integrating nutritional approaches into maternal mental health care.
At Think Through Nutrition, we remain committed to advocating for science-backed nutritional solutions that improve lives. With experts like Professor Julia Rucklidge on our Science Advisory Board, we continue to drive research and promote practical interventions that make a difference.
