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A breakthrough study led by researchers at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has unveiled a natural supplement capable of preventing postpartum blues and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression in new mothers over the following six months after childbirth. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, marks a significant advancement in maternal mental health care, offering hope to millions of women worldwide.
Postpartum blues, affecting up to 8 out of 10 new mothers, is characterized by mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. While typically transient, it can escalate into postpartum depression, a serious mental illness impacting 13% of mothers. Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, study senior author and inventor of the nutraceutical, emphasized the importance of timely intervention to prevent the progression to postpartum depression, which carries long-term consequences for both mothers and children.
The study involved over 100 postpartum participants who received either the natural supplement or a placebo. Results showed that two-thirds of participants who received the supplement experienced either no symptoms or only negligible symptoms of postpartum blues. Moreover, participants who received the supplement reported fewer symptoms of depression over the next six months, with none meeting the clinical threshold for postpartum depression.
Dr. Meyer’s previous research identified a protein called MAO-A, which rises dramatically in the brains of postpartum women, contributing to mood disturbances. The nutraceutical, formulated with a patented combination of natural ingredients including blueberry extract and amino acids, replenishes essential neurochemicals in the brain to support healthy mood and stress management.
The supplement, marketed under the name Blues Away, has been licensed to international women’s health company Exeltis for widespread distribution. Klara Vichnevetski, Director of Industry Partnerships and Technology Transfer at CAMH, expressed excitement about making the product available to new mothers globally, highlighting CAMH’s commitment to translating scientific innovations into tangible solutions for mental health care.
Despite the promising results, the study noted a limitation regarding the supplement’s protective effect in an experimental test involving sad stimuli. However, the overall findings underscore the potential of the nutraceutical to revolutionize postpartum care and prevent the onset of debilitating mental illness in new mothers.
Aristotle Voineskos, CAMH’s Vice President of Research, emphasized the significance of integrating scientific findings into advancing mental health care and the value of early intervention. The development of Blues Away represents CAMH’s dedication to pioneering research that directly impacts maternal well-being and contributes to global efforts in mental health advocacy.
Blues Away is expected to be available for sale in the U.S. beginning April 11, 2024, with plans for distribution in other global markets underway. As CAMH continues to drive innovation in mental health care, the nutraceutical stands as a beacon of hope for millions of women navigating the delicate transition to motherhood.
For further details on the study, refer to the publication in eClinicalMedicine (2024).
