• Ranajit Kumar Khalua
• Souvik Tewari
• Rita Mondal

Anxiety and depression represent a global problem, affecting a large number of people worldwide. Anxiety and depression are most common problems during pregnancy due to different type of factor. Nutritional factor is most common among them. Few people are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression while they easily understand the connection between nutritional deficiencies and physical illness, but Nutrition can play a key role in the onset as well as severity and duration of depression during pregnancy. The most common nutritional deficiencies seen in patients with mental disorders are of omega–3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are precursors to neurotransmitters in depressed patients. Daily consumption of dietary supplements of omega-3 fatty acid that contain 1.5-2 g of EPA has been shown to stimulate mood elevation. Consumption of diets low in carbohydrate tends to precipitate depression, since the production of brain chemicals serotonin and tryptophan that promote the feeling of well-being, is triggered by carbohydrate rich foods. Protein intake and in turn the individual amino acids can affect the brain functioning and mental health. Many of the neurotransmitters in the brain are made from amino acids. The neurotransmitter dopamine is made from the amino acid tyrosine and the neurotransmitter serotonin is made from the tryptophan. If there is a lack of any of these two amino acids, there will not be enough synthesis of the respective neurotransmitters, which is associated with low mood and aggression in the patients.

Anxiety, depression, pregnancy, nutritional factor and foods

"A review on effect of nutrient on anxiety and depression during pregnancy and its management by foods", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.33-41, May-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905C06.pdf

"A review on effect of nutrient on anxiety and depression during pregnancy and its management by foods", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp33-41, May-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905C06.pdf