# Study: Probiotics Can Help Decrease Risk Of Postnatal Depression

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/wellbeing/mind-mental-health/study-probiotics-can-help-decrease-risk-of-postnatal-depression/
- Published: 2017-10-19T14:21:16+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _A new study has found that pregnant women taking live bacteria tablets or probiotics while pregnant could decrease the risk of postnatal depression by half._

Researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago revealed
that women at risk of depression while pregnant, or after giving birth, could benefit
from increasing their intake of probiotics during pregnancy.

Probiotics are live ‘friendly bacteria’ that provide health benefits when consumed
in adequate amounts. They are typically found in fermented foods including cultured
yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi and kombucha tea.

The bacteria found in probiotic products come from two groups, Lactobacillus or 
Bifidobacterium. The study looked at the health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
HN001.

The study, funded by the Health Research Council and Fonterra Co-operative Group
Limited, surveyed 423 women who were between 14 and 16 weeks pregnant. Of this group,
212 women were given probiotics and 211 were given a placebo. They were given capsules
daily from the time of enrollment through to six months after they’d given birth,
if they were breastfeeding.

> The study found that taking a probiotic tablet once a day during pregnancy and
> in the first six months after birth halved a mother’s risk of clinically significant
> anxiety.

[⌊Pregnant woman enjoying probiotics to support mental health after childbirth⌉⌊Pregnant woman enjoying probiotics to support mental health after childbirth⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/probioticsfp-1.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

Dr Rebecca Slykerman, the study’s lead author, said that the findings could potentially
offer mothers a simple way to manage their mental health.

> “Woman are unable to access psychological therapy or are reluctant to take antidepressant
> medication in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
> “Furthermore it takes several weeks for the therapeutic effect of antidepressants
> to appear and there is a 15-30 per cent discontinuation rate.
> “Safe and effective therapies to prevent and treat postnatal depression,” she 
> said.

Fonterra Programme Manager Nutrition Dr James Dekker said they are encouraged by
the results. “It is pleasing to see more evidence of the health benefits of Lactobacillus
rhamnosus HN001, one of Fonterra’s two probiotics. As we know not all probiotics
are created equal and there needs to be sound evidence for the benefits for each
probiotic strain,” he said.

However, it is best for women considering taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy
to always consult with their doctor.

In Australia, depression affects one in ten pregnant women, and almost one in seven
are affected during the first year after birth.

Source: [Dailymail.co.uk](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4990842/Taking-probiotics-pregnancy-helps-post-natal-depression.html)

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)