The incidence of peanut allergy in children has more than tripled in recent years.
Research tells us that 70% of allergies are identified at the child’s first known exposure to the food and that food allergies require previous sensitization. In the past, this led some experts to recommend that women avoid nuts during pregnancy. Others suggested that nuts not be introduced into the child’s diet until age 3. This seemed to be supported by some retrospective studies, although study results were mixed, with some research indicating that avoiding nuts increased the child’s chance of allergies.
A large prospective study published (JAMA Pediatr. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4139) demonstrates that children whose mothers ate nuts during pregnancy were actually less likely to develop nut allergies. (This was not true for pregnant women who had a nut allergy themselves.) Women who ate the most nuts were least likely to have a child with a nut allergy. The reduction in childhood allergy did not change when nuts were introduced into the child’s diet earlier or later.
A retrospective study is designed to look at children who develop allergies and then ask their mothers about their pregnancy diet. In most cases this involves asking women about what they ate years ago. Such research does not generally look at children who do not develop allergies. Prospective studies survey women about their diet during (or immediately after) their pregnancy. This particular prospective study followed the children into early adulthood. By looking at both children who did develop allergies and those who did not, researchers have more power to predict what factors might be causing the development of allergies.
What’s the take away?
Nuts are a healthy plant-based protein rich in unsaturated fats which are great for both mom and baby. Their fiber can help mom avoid problems with constipation. They are easy to carry and store well so are a good snack for on-the-go women. Some (like almonds) are rich in calcium. Just watch how much you eat. A serving size of nuts is one ounce (If you don’t have a scale, that is about 1/4 cup) and has 160 to 200 calories. Include a variety of nuts, just like you do with vegetables and fruits, as each healthy food has its own unique nutrient benefits.
Nuts are only a part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Researchers in this study noted that women who ate nuts also ate more vegetables. This led them to note that there was a possibility that phytochemical rich vegetables could be responsible for protecting the child from allergies.
What about your baby’s diet? The gold standard is still exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then slowly introducing 1 food at a time. You may want to start with those important vegetables! There does not seem to be evidence to recommend waiting until age 2 or 3 to introduce nuts. If your child exhibits any signs of allergies after any new food, contact baby’s pediatrician. Signs to watch for include hives, skin irritations, nausea, vomiting, or chest tightness. Allergies can be potentially life threatening. If your toddler has difficulty breathing, is dizzy, or loses consciousness, immediately call 911.
This section contains articles and guidance for healthy eating whether you are working on becoming pregnant, expecting or have a new baby. Articles cover information including what to eat, controlling nausea, breastfeeding and vitamins.