ASK THE EXPERT
Q THERE are lots of allergies in our family, so should I steer clear of allergenic foods like eggs, fish and nuts while I’m pregnant, and in my baby’s food once we’re weaning?
A SPEAKING ahead of Allergy Awareness Week (April 20-26), Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK (allergyuk. org), and allergy doctor Dr Joe FitzGibbon (joefitzgibbon.ie), outline the current allergy advice for pregnancy and weaning..
Amena says: “Latest advice for expectant mums is that there’s no need to avoid any particular foods
(such as peanuts) unless they’re allergic to them, as this hasn’t been shown to prevent allergies.
“Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and fresh tuna) may help reduce the risk of eczema and allergic sensitisation (development of allergy antibodies) in early life. Try to include some of these in your diet, but remember pregnant women shouldn’t eat more than two portions of oily fish a week.
“There’s no evidence that any particular foods can prevent allergy either when pregnant or when weaning your baby. Advice is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, including plenty of vegetables and fruit to provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre.
“With regards to weaning, if your baby is considered at higher risk of developing allergies, either through family history, severe eczema or other food allergies, research shows they may benefit from the earlier introduction of complimentary foods (solids), including food containing egg and peanut. If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor or GP.”
Dr FitzGibbon has this to add: “Considerable research has looked at how we can reduce the risk of allergy in children. Attempts have been made to intervene at all stages of development, to alter mum’s diet while the baby’s still in the womb; alter mum’s diet while the baby’s being breastfed; and looking at how and when to introduce new foods to the weaning infant. Some studies held early promise of a positive effect, but others showed no beneficial effect, or even a worsening effect.
“The bottom line then, for both normal and high-risk expectant mums, is they should eat a full and healthy diet.”