Allergy prevention in pregnancy

MEDIA RELEASE - 12 September 2003
ISSUED BY - Allergy & Allergies Agency, London

World Allergy Congress report on Omega 3 oils in allergy prevention.

(Vancouver, Canada) Although maternal diet in early pregnancy does not seem to play a significant role in allergic sensitisation.  Avoiding the common allergy provoking foods such as cow's milk, hen's egg, peanuts and nuts whilst breast feeding seems to significantly reduce allergic sensitisation in babies.  

Recent research by Dr Susan Prescott and co-workers in Australia has shown that the intake of high levels of Omega 3 fish oils in pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of subsequently developing allergies such as Allergic Eczema.  It is recommended that the pregnant mother takes approximately 3.7grams of Omega 3 fatty acids per day in pregnancy and reduce her intake of Omega 6 fatty acids.  

The role of anti-oxidants and trace elements in preventing allergic sensitisation still remains controversial, but maternal smoking should be discouraged and exposure to excess air pollution and alcohol avoided.

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