University of Mansoura, Faculty of Pharmacy

University of Mansoura, Faculty of Pharmacy

Committee of Community and Environmental Development

Continuing Pharmaceutical Education

IssueNo:120 JULY 2009

Are Amino Acids Safe in Pregnancy?

Prof. Dr Wael El-Naggar

Head of Dept. of Microbiology Faculty of Pharmacy

University of Mansoura

I read in a book recently that amino acids can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and

depression. My question to you is, are they safe to use during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, there is little information about the safety of amino acid supplements, such as tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and 5-HTP, in pregnancy.
Although amino acids are found in foods containing protein, the amounts in amino acid supplements are much greater than that found in a normal diet.

A couple of supplements used for depression have also been used during pregnancy. They should only be taken after consultation with your obstetrician.

·  Fish oil capsules

Fish oil capsules contain omega-3 fatty acids, a type of good fat needed for normal brain function. Our bodies can't make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through our diet.
Studies have linked depression with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In countries with higher fish consumption, such as Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower than in North American.

Postpartum depression is also less common.
While fish intake should be restricted during pregnancy, many fish oil capsule brands have been certified to be free of significant levels of mercury, PCBS, and other contaminants. The independent lab ConsumerLab.com has a list of approved fish oil products.
Fish oil can also cause a fishy aftertaste. To prevent this, try taking the fish oil just before meals.
Fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects may include indigestion and bleeding. Due to the potential blood-thinning effect, fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery and in the last three weeks before the expected due date.

·  Folic Acid
Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin that is often deficient in people who are depressed. It recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, to prevent neural tube defects.
Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. It's one of the most common vitamin deficiencies because of poor diet but also because chronic conditions and various medications such as aspirin and birth control pills can also lead to deficiency.
Besides food, folic acid is also available as a supplement or as part of a B-complex vitamin.
Researchers at Harvard University have found that depressed people with low folate levels don't respond as well to antidepressents, and taking folic acid in supplement form can improve the effectiveness of antidepressants.

·  Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to improve mood. Pregnant women are often too exhausted or too nauseous to exercise, but even going for brisk walks each morning for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week can make a difference.
Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, releases mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and can decrease stress hormones

Vice Dean For Community and

Environmental Development

( Prof .Dr. Magda A. El-Sherbeny)

Dean of college

( Prof. Dr. Mahmoud B.El-Ashmawy)