The Role of Maternal Diet and Supplements During Pregnancy and Lactation in the Prevention and Development of Food Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis.

Abstract

The high prevalence of allergic conditions, coupled with their substantial impact on quality of life and health, has driven extensive research aimed at identifying preventive strategies. There has been substantial interest in the role of maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation on childhood atopy, because early dietary exposures may influence immune development and allergy risk in offspring. However, previous research has not established that interventions such as the inclusion or avoidance of specific foods, diet patterns, nutrients, and supplements have consistent effects. Here, we review recent findings on the effects of maternal diet on the development of food allergies and atopic dermatitis (AD) in offspring. We review results from investigations since 2022 who studied maternal intake of specific foods, diet patterns, nutrients, and supplements. Among dietary patterns, although Mediterranean diet during pregnancy may be associated with a lower risk of AD in offspring, it does not appear to alter the risk of offspring food allergies. Regarding nutrients and supplements, there are no consistent associations between maternal intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, or prebiotics/probiotics during pregnancy and lactation and the development of food allergies or AD in offspring. Recent studies suggest potential associations between maternal consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and processed foods during pregnancy and increased risk of food allergies in offspring, but further data are needed to support the replicability and degree of these effects in additional populations. Women should not avoid allergenic foods during pregnancy or lactation to prevent allergic outcomes in children.