Exploring The Role Of Physical Activity Levels On The Relationship Between Dairy Products Intake And Fatigue Among Women During Postpartum

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a major issue that affects women during the postpartum period. A healthy dietary pattern and increased physical activity are commonly recommended lifestyle modifications to promote health during this time. Physical activity levels and dairy products intake have been shown to be independently associated with fatigue. However, little is known about the interrelationship between physical activity levels, dairy product intake, and postpartum fatigue (PPF) among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PPF is associated with dairy product intake in relation to physical activity levels. METHODS: A total of 242 women were included in this cross-sectional study. Data related to dairy product intake and physical activity were collected using a food frequency questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form, respectively. PPF was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between the intake of dairy products and PPF among women engaged in low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity while controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Higher consumption rates of yogurt and total dairy predicted lower odds of PPF in women engaged in moderate levels of physical activity (aOR = 0.24 [95% CI = 0.07, 0.86] and 0.70 [95% CI = 0.53, 0.93], respectively). In women engaged in high levels of physical activity, lower odds of experiencing PPF were predicted by higher consumption rates of milk (aOR = 0.24 [95% CI = 0.07, 0.89]), yogurt (aOR = 0.21 [95% CI = 0.05, 0.83]), laban (aOR = 0.16 [95% CI = 0.03, 0.86]), and total dairy (aOR = 0.66 [95% CI = 0.47, 0.92]). However, no association was observed between dairy product intake and PPF in women with low levels of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers with higher consumption rates of dairy products showed lower odds for experiencing PPF, particularly those engaged in moderate to high levels of physical activity. These findings support that nutritional and physical activity promotion programs to moderate issues with PPF. Healthcare providers should thus set better rehabilitation goals to improve overall maternal health.