A recent study suggests that babies introduced to nuts in utero will be less likely to develop nut allergies later in life. This comes alongside news that the prevalence of allergies has increased markedly in recent years.
The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, found that the children of mothers who ate nuts at least five times per week during pregnancy were two and a half times less likely to suffer from nut allergies than those whose mothers didnt.
Commentators, however, have been keen to point out that, while the study demonstrates a clear “association,” it is not yet possible to say for certain whether exposure to nuts alone causes a decrease in risk of allergies. There are other potential causal factors involved, and the results could be skewed by the likelihood of those pregnant women who eat the requisite quantities of nuts being likely to have diets which are, in general, healthier than those who don’t.
What has been proven, however, is that it is perfectly safe to eat nuts while pregnant; unless, that is, you yourself have a nut allergy, in which case it isn’t.
As to other aspects of diet worth considering during pregnancy, Mr Ashok Kumar of Total Health recommends that one take Vitamin D supplements for the whole course of the pregnancy, folic acid for the first twelve weeks, and a decent amount of fruit and vegetables. It’s a good idea to avoid certain cheeses, including gorgonzola and camembert, and to prevent oneself from becoming overweight.
