Maternal consumption of red meat and ultra-processed foods during pregnancy and risk of postpartum depression: a prospective cohort study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common condition, and diet may influence its risk. However, the association between red meat and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake and PPD has not been previously examined. A total of 264 pregnant Iranian women were enrolled in this cohort study through convenience sampling between 2022 and 2023. Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and UPFs were classified according to the NOVA system. Postpartum depression (PPD) was assessed 4–6 weeks following childbirth using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. The associations of red meat and UPF intake with PPD were examined using binary logistic regression. Among the participants, 52 (19.7%) had probable postpartum depression. Higher UPF intake was associated with greater consumption of total energy and saturated fatty acids, whereas higher red meat intake was associated with increased intakes of protein, saturated fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12, EPA, and DHA. In the fully adjusted model, neither red meat intake (≥ 36.51 vs. ≤18.64 g/day; OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.32–1.69; P-trend = 0.480) nor UPF intake (≥ 158.83 vs. ≤67.90 g/day; OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.44–2.31; P-trend = 0.942) was significantly associated with probable postpartum depression. This cohort study revealed no statistically meaningful association between red meat and UPF intake and the occurrence of probable postpartum depression; nevertheless, future research is required to replicate and extend these findings.