Pregnancy diet and infant allergies investigated in Japan

Monday, 15 March 2010 08:43

A study carried out in Japan has further investigated the ‘antioxidant hypothesis’ of allergy development by looking at the association between maternal intake of vegetables, fruit and selected antioxidants during pregnancy and infant’s risk of developing wheeze and eczema.

The project involved 763 pregnant Japanese women with a mean age of 30 years who completed questionnaires on dietary history and on maternal and paternal history of asthma and atopic eczema. Energy and selected nutrients in the participants’ diet were calculated using Standard Tables of Food Composition. Questionnaires in relation to the infants’ health, including the development of eczema and wheeze, were completed by participants 16 and 24 months after birth.

Based on their results, the study authors concluded higher maternal consumption of green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruit, and β-carotene during pregnancy may be protective against the development of eczema in the offspring. Higher maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of infantile wheeze.

Reference: Miyake et al. 2010. Allergy. Doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02267.x