Summary of the Research on maternal Diet and Food Allergy (FA) in Infants
This research investigates the relationship between a mother’s adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) during pregnancy and lactation and the growth of Food Allergy (FA) in their infants. Here’s a breakdown of the study:
Study Design & Participants:
* Cohort: A subcohort of 430 mother-child pairs from Greece (Athens, Ioannina, Thessaloniki) was analyzed.
* Groups: 336 mothers of infants with FA and 94 mothers of healthy infants (controls).
* Inclusion Criteria: Exclusive breastfeeding for at least two months and completion of the MedDiet score questionnaire.
* Data Collection: Detailed facts was gathered on demographics, family history of allergies, maternal diet (pregnancy & lactation), antibiotic use, smoking habits, and infant follow-up (allergic conditions, antibiotic exposure, etc.). A MedDiet score was calculated based on weekly intake of 11 food groups.
Key Findings:
* MedDiet & FA Risk: Mothers of healthy infants had significantly higher MedDiet scores than mothers of infants with FA. Higher adherence to the MedDiet during pregnancy and lactation was inversely associated with the risk of FA.
* Specific Food Groups – Pregnancy:
* Protective: >8 weekly portions of fruit, >15 portions of full dairy products.
* Risk-Increasing: >1 portion of fish per week, >3 portions of poultry or red meat.
* Specific Food groups – Lactation:
* Protective: >12 weekly portions of vegetables.
* Risk-Increasing: >3 weekly portions of poultry or red meat.
* Other Observations: A important proportion of mothers used antibiotics during pregnancy (21%), smoked (14%), or excluded foods from their diet (13%). About 30% of mothers had a history of atopy.
conclusions:
* Maternal adherence to the MedDiet during pregnancy and lactation appears to be associated with a reduced risk of FA in infants, although the results aren’t definitive (confidence intervals were close to 1).
* Specific dietary components seem to play a role: fruit, vegetables, and full dairy products may be protective, while red meat, fish, and poultry may increase risk.
* The finding of increased risk with fish consumption is noted as perhaps linked to environmental pollutants in fish.
* The study supports further research into maternal nutrition as a potential intervention strategy for preventing childhood FA.
In essence, the study suggests that what a mother eats during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can influence her child’s risk of developing food allergies. Though, the authors caution that more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish a causal relationship.