A pregnant woman lowers the allergy risk for child when eating peanuts

Allergic reactions to peanuts and tree nuts can range from mild to life-threatening. But new research suggests that pregnant women who are not allergic to the nuts/legumes and who eat more of them during pregnancy lower the risk of their child developing an allergy to the food.

Children whose mothers did not have an allergy and who consumed the highest amount of peanuts or tree nuts - which was five times a week or more - had the lowest risk of developing an allergy to the food.

However, the researchers note that this lower risk of peanut or tree nut (P/TN) allergies was not found in children whose mothers had the allergy.

Most pregnant women 'should not restrict diets'

The investigators say their study is in line with the theory that exposure to early allergens "increases the likelihood of tolerance," lowering risks of developing food allergies during childhood.
Though they say subsequent studies are needed to confirm their findings, they add that their "data support the recent decisions to rescind recommendations that all mothers avoid P/TN during pregnancy and breastfeeding."

Dr. Ruchi Gupta, agrees that women "should not restrict their diets during pregnancy." Though he warns that women who are allergic to nuts should not consume them, he acknowledges the benefits of women eating a diverse range of foods during pregnancy.

Dr. Gupta continues:
     "For now though, guidelines stand: pregnant women should not eliminate nuts from their diet as peanuts are a good source of protein and also provide folic acid, which could potentially prevent both neural tube defects and nut sensitization."

Girls who eat more peanut butter during their high school years are less likely to develop benign breast disease by the age of 30 than girls who do not.