Women who consume peanut and tree nuts during pregnancy are much more likely to have a child free of nut allergies, according to a study researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts.
For their study, researchers examined eating patterns in pregnant women and the subsequent allergies in their children. According to their research, women who ate peanut or tree nuts at least five times a month during their pregnancy were 69 percent less likely to give birth to a child with nut allergies than women who ate nuts less than once a month during pregnancy.
Dr. Michael Young, co-author of the study, noted that early childhood exposure helps infants develop immunities and become accustomed to certain ingredients.
Our research “supports the hypothesis that early allergen exposure increases tolerance and lowers risk of childhood food allergy,” said Young.
The Study
For their study, researchers examined the eating patterns of over 8,000 pregnant mothers. The mothers documented their eating habits before, during, and after pregnancy. Researchers then analyzed physician reports and polled mothers about any potential allergies their child had developed.
There were 140 reported cases of nut allergies among the group, and there was an inverse relationship between the frequency of nut consumption and the likelihood of developing a nut allergy.
Past research shows that raising a child with a nut allergy is no easy task. It is estimated that parents incur an estimated $4,000 in additional expenses to raise a food-allergic child.
Dr. Silverman comments
This study shows that when the cravings hit, women should reach for a handful of almonds or top off their food with a dab of peanut butter.
I liken this approach to that of medical immunizations. When a child receives an immunization shot, they aren’t receiving an injection that blocks the virus from being able to develop inside the body; instead, they are receiving a weakened or inactive version of the virus. Exposing the body to the virus allows the immune system to develop antibodies to fight and kill it. Our bodies recognize how to fight certain strains, and in turn we become immune.
Research is now proving that this is how the human body works when it comes to food allergies. Moderate exposure can help your baby’s body get acclimated to certain nutrients in the womb.
At a minimum, this study strengthens the importance of maintaining a healthy and diverse diet during pregnancy.
Related source: MedPage Today