At Hardy Nutritionals®, we’ve long believed that nutrition is the foundation for mental health. Now, newly published research supports that belief in one of the most vulnerable populations—mothers with antenatal depression.

This secondary analysis from the NUTRIMUM trial, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (2025), examined whether using Daily Essential Nutrients (DEN) during pregnancy could help reduce the risk of postnatal depression. The results? Remarkably encouraging.

A High-Risk Group, A Unique Opportunity

All participants in the study were medication-free, clinically depressed during pregnancy (EPDS ≥13), and between 12 and 24 weeks gestation. They took either DEN or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by the option to continue micronutrients through delivery.

Researchers tracked outcomes six months after birth to assess whether foundational nutrition could alter long-term mood trajectories.

The Results: A Dramatic Drop in Depression

Among mothers who took DEN during pregnancy, only 14% met criteria for postnatal depression at six months (EPDS ≥13). On clinician-rated scales (MADRS), the rate was even lower at just 8%.

Altogether, 89% of these mothers dropped below the clinical threshold for depression—despite being at high risk.

More Exposure, More Response

The longer participants took DEN during pregnancy, the better their outcomes. Those with more days of use had significantly lower depression scores at birth and beyond. In contrast, the few who needed psychiatric medication at follow-up had the shortest exposure to DEN and the highest symptom levels.

These findings are consistent with 60+ medical journal publications showing that micronutrient therapy helps modulate stress response, support neurological resilience, and enhance recovery over time*.

What Makes DEN Different?

Unlike typical prenatal supplements, Daily Essential Nutrients-Prenatal delivers clinical levels of 40+ vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This includes therapeutic doses of magnesium, B-vitamins, iodine, and trace minerals often left out of standard formulas.

The result? Better support for mitochondrial energy, neurotransmitter balance, inflammation modulation, and neuroplasticity. All without the side effects of psychiatric medication.

The Bottom Line

• 89% of participants were no longer clinically depressed six months after giving birth
• Greater benefit with longer use during pregnancy
• DEN is safe, well-tolerated, and clinically studied in perinatal populations

This research adds powerful evidence to a growing truth: nutrition isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for lifelong mental wellness.

Learn more about Daily Essential Nutrients-Prenatal

Protective effect of micronutrients used to treat antenatal depression on rates of postnatal depression at six months: A secondary analysis of NUTRIMUM

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.