Optimising prenatal folic acid supplementation to reduce postnatal depression: an evidence-based precision approach to nutrient supplementation during pregnancy
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a new National Industry PhD Project, a collaboration between Flinders University and The Factors Group at Natural Factors, supported by the Australian Government Department of Education. This initiative aims to reduce the burden of perinatal depression, a condition affecting up to 60,000 Australian mums and their families each year.
Research Focus: A number of small observational studies suggest that folic acid may reduce postnatal depression, but stronger evidence is needed. Our research, a randomised control trial involving nearly 3,000 women, will definitively determine whether taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy reduces the incidence and severity of postnatal depression. Additionally, we will explore whether a mother’s genetics influence her response to folic acid supplementation. This study, led by Flinders researchers Professor Tim Green and Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak, is part of a larger program aimed at optimising pregnancy outcomes through better prenatal supplements.
Industry Perspective: Evan Hayes, Managing Director of Factors Group ANZ Australia (Natural Factors), highlights: “The National Industry PhD Program allows us to build on Factors’ 20+ year relationship with the research team, aimed at improving health through nutritional supplements tested to the highest standard.” Both Green and Hayes emphasise that the program aligns commercial needs with academic research for the benefit of all Australians.
Student Perspective: Olivia Jansen, a PhD candidate at Flinders, is excited to be involved in a large RCT with the potential to improve women’s lives. “It will teach me transferable research skills that allow me to pursue a variety of career paths. The internship with Factors, which is part of the program, will provide insights into the commercial side of research that most students don’t get to explore.”
Flinders Perspective: This project brings together academics from both The College of Nursing and Health Sciences and Medicine and Public Health, along with a valued industry partner, The Factors Group, to continue our excellence in clinical trials, especially in perinatal health.
We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to sharing insights from this important work!
A big thank you to Nilla Wen for facilitating this project and the National Industry PhD Program at Flinders University!!