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PEDIATRICS Vol. 114 No. 1 July 2004, pp. 325

Nutritional Implications of Observed Neurobehavioral Disturbances and Reduced Gestation Length in Infants of Mothers Using Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors During Pregnancy

Elizabeth Vavasour, MSc
Health Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0L2

To the Editor. —

The nutritional implications of the observations of neurobehavioral disturbances and reduced gestation length in the infants of mothers using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for treatment of depression during pregnancy¹ may be cause for concern, inasmuch as these results suggest that maternal dietary status of -3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in the individuals receiving treatment was inadequate for the support of optimal fetal development. Information concerning the increased demand for -3 LCPUFAs on the expectant mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding,^2–4 the importance of these fatty acids for the developing nervous system of the infant,⁵ the relationship of the depleted state of -3 LCPUFAs with depression,^6,7 the effects of these fatty acids on central nervous system serotonin receptor density and on peripheral serotonin function,⁸ and the generally inadequate intakes of these fatty acids by the North American population⁹ have been well documented in the scientific literature. In addition, maternal plasma docosahexaenoic acid concentration has been positively associated with more mature neonatal sleep-state patterning,¹⁰ and daily intake of a fish oil supplement containing -3 LCPUFAs has been shown to prolong gestation and increase birth weight.¹¹ Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, although alleviating the symptoms of depression in the expectant mother, does not address the enhanced nutritional needs of the infant for -3 LCPUFAs. The results described in this article support the need for investigation of depression as a possible indicator of inadequate maternal -3 LCPUFA status.

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PEDIATRICS (ISSN 1098-4275). ©2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

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This Article Extract Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services E-mail this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My File Cabinet Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Vavasour, E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Vavasour, E. Related Collections Premature & Newborn Social Bookmarking                         What's this?