Researchers at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada are gearing up to begin a study to determine whether or not diet plays in pregnant and postpartum women’s mental health, according to a news report in the Calgary Herald.

The study will be headed up by a PhD student and is expected to begin January 2008. The project is based on the belief that nutrient deficiencies, both during pregnancy and after birth, may cause postpartum depression. It is no secret that nutrient deficiencies can impact mental health. In fact, vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common in individuals who suffer from mental illnesses; namely depression.

If this theory proves true than many cases of depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression could be treated or even prevented through appropriate vitamin supplementation, saving many new moms and families stress and grief.