Comparison of the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast enriched with selenium and inorganic selenium on postpartum depression and sexual satisfaction: a three-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background and aim: Mental health is one of the most important issues in the modern world, and postpartum depression is a one of the most important types of depression that significantly reduces sexual performance in married life. Selenium is an essential micronutrient related to the normal functioning of the brain and according studies, depression is significantly related to selenium levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast enriched with selenium and mineral selenium on postpartum depression and sexual satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 108 women who had given birth in the 15 to 90 days after delivery. They were at the age of 15-45 years. Women with a Beck depression score of at least 16 and at most 46 were included in the study. The participants were divided into three groups of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae enriched with selenium (36 people), mineral selenium group (36 people) and placebo group (36 people) by random block method with a ratio of 1:1:1 In order to collect data in this study, social personality questionnaire, Beck Depression Questionnaire and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used. Participants received a supplement containing organic or inorganic selenium as the intervention group or placebo as the control group every night for 8 weeks. Tow questionnaires (Beck Depression Questionnaire and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire) were completed after the intervention. After collecting data with descriptive and analytical statistical tests including (chi-square, oneway ANOVA, Ancova) were used to investigate the objectives of the study.

Results: 35 people in the organic selenium group, 36 people in the mineral selenium group and 36 people in the placebo group were followed up and analyzed at the end of study. All three groups were similar in terms of individual-social characteristics. The statistical data showed that the level of sexual satisfaction in the intervention groups did not improve compared to the placebo group. While the score of depression decrease significantly in the intervention groups: organic selenium [mean difference: 2.774, 95% confidence interval = 4.573 to 0.975; P<0.003] and mineral selenium group [adjusted mean difference: 1.771, 95% confidence interval=3.539 to 0.004; (P<0.049)]. Conclusion: While selenium intake had no effect on sexual satisfaction, it was able to improve postpartum depression in women. Therefore, the use of this supplement can be routinely provided along with other supplements in the country's health centers to improve the mental health of mothers in families.