Effect of folic acid supplementation on mental health in the antenatal and postnatal period

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine mental health outcomes folic acid (FA) supplement use in antenatal and postnatal periods.
 Materials Methods: This descriptive-prospective longitudinal conducted between 1 December 2019 30 January 2021 a Family Health Center eastern Turkey. performed at one week postpartum period, 6-8 weeks six months period. A total 162 healthy pregnant women were included study. Personal Information Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) used collect data.
 Results: While 32.7% (n=53) participants FA supplementation from pre-pregnancy period first trimester pregnancy (6 total), 34.6% (n=56) only pregnancy. It determined that did not any supplement. Of those who FA, 37.0% 50.8% on days. experienced mild/moderate/severe anxiety different weeks. BAI EPDS scores lowest prenatal 6 for months. decreased significantly antenatal, 6-8-week, 6-month measurements.
 Conclusion: supplements can be effective preventing symptoms depression