Background: Probiotics may help to prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression through several putative mechanisms.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) given in pregnancy and postpartum on symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. This was a secondary outcome, the primary outcome being eczema in the offspring at 12months of age.
Design, setting, participants: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of HN001 on postnatal mood was conducted in 423 women in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. Women were recruited at 14-16weeks gestation.
Intervention: Women were randomised to receive either placebo or HN001 daily from enrolment until 6months postpartum if breastfeeding.
