Researchers looked at whether the foods a mother eats while pregnant and breastfeeding can help protect her baby from developing food allergies. This review examined existing studies to understand if certain diets or specific foods during pregnancy and nursing might reduce the chances that a child will develop allergies to common foods like peanuts, milk, or eggs. The findings suggest that a mother’s nutrition choices during these critical periods could play an important role in shaping her baby’s immune system and food tolerance, though scientists are still learning exactly which foods matter most.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether specific foods or eating patterns during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help prevent food allergies in babies
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research studies, so it looked at findings from many different studies involving pregnant women and their babies rather than conducting one new study
  • Key finding: The research suggests that maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding may influence whether babies develop food allergies, though scientists need more research to identify exactly which foods are most protective
  • What it means for you: If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, eating a varied, healthy diet may help protect your future child from food allergies. However, this doesn’t mean you need to eat specific ‘allergy-preventing’ foods—focus on overall good nutrition and talk with your doctor about your diet

The Research Details

This study was a review, meaning researchers looked at many existing studies about maternal diet and food allergies in children. Instead of doing their own experiment, they gathered and analyzed information from previous research to find patterns and common findings. This type of study helps scientists understand what the overall evidence shows about a topic. The researchers examined studies looking at what mothers ate during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and then tracked whether their babies developed food allergies. By combining results from multiple studies, they could see if certain eating patterns seemed to protect babies from allergies.

Review studies like this are important because they help doctors and parents understand the big picture of what research shows. Instead of relying on just one study, which might have limitations, a review looks at many studies to find reliable patterns. This approach helps identify what we know for certain versus what we still need to learn more about.

As a review article, this study’s strength comes from examining multiple research studies together. However, the quality depends on which studies were included and how carefully they were evaluated. Since this is a newer publication (2025) in a respected pediatric journal, it likely reflects current scientific thinking. Readers should know that review articles summarize existing evidence but don’t create new evidence themselves, so the conclusions are only as strong as the studies they review.

What the Results Show

The research suggests that what mothers eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may influence their baby’s developing immune system and food tolerance. The studies reviewed indicate that maternal diet is likely one factor that affects whether babies develop food allergies, though it’s not the only factor. The findings suggest that eating a varied diet with different types of foods during pregnancy and nursing may be beneficial, rather than avoiding certain foods out of fear of allergies. This is different from older advice that sometimes suggested pregnant women should avoid allergenic foods like peanuts or shellfish.

The research also suggests that breastfeeding itself may provide some protection against food allergies, and that the mother’s diet while breastfeeding continues to be important. Additionally, the studies indicate that the timing of when babies are introduced to solid foods and what those foods are may also play a role in food allergy development. The overall picture suggests that multiple factors—including maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and later food introduction—work together to influence allergy risk.

This review updates older recommendations that suggested pregnant women should avoid common allergenic foods. Modern research suggests that avoiding these foods doesn’t prevent allergies and may even increase risk. The current evidence supports a more inclusive approach where pregnant and nursing mothers eat a varied diet including common allergens. This represents a shift in medical thinking based on newer scientific evidence.

The main limitation is that this is a review of existing studies, so the conclusions depend on the quality of those studies. Some studies may have been small or had design issues. Additionally, food allergies are complex and involve genetics, environment, and many other factors beyond just maternal diet. The research shows correlation (diet and allergies are connected) but doesn’t prove that diet alone causes or prevents allergies. More research is needed to understand exactly which foods or nutrients are most important and how they work.

The Bottom Line

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should aim to eat a varied, balanced diet that includes common foods (with moderate confidence in this recommendation). There’s no need to avoid foods like peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs, or dairy during pregnancy or breastfeeding based on allergy prevention. If you have concerns about food allergies or your own allergies, discuss your diet with your doctor or a nutritionist (low to moderate confidence for personalized recommendations).

Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, and nursing mothers should pay attention to this research. Parents with family histories of food allergies may find this especially relevant. This research is less relevant for people who aren’t pregnant or planning pregnancy, though it may interest parents of young children. Anyone with their own food allergies should still follow their doctor’s advice about their personal diet.

The effects of maternal diet on a baby’s allergy risk develop during pregnancy and early infancy. You won’t see immediate results, but the benefits may appear as your child grows and is introduced to solid foods (typically around 6 months and beyond). It may take several years to know whether your child develops food allergies, as some allergies appear later in childhood.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If pregnant or nursing, track daily food variety by logging the number of different food groups eaten each day (aim for at least 5-6 different groups). Note consumption of common allergens like nuts, fish, eggs, and dairy to ensure they’re included regularly rather than avoided.
  • Use the app to plan meals that include a variety of foods from all food groups. Set reminders to include at least one common allergen food in your daily diet (such as an egg at breakfast, peanut butter snack, or fish at dinner). Create a weekly meal plan that rotates different protein sources and includes diverse vegetables and fruits.
  • Track dietary diversity scores weekly and monitor for any personal digestive issues or allergic reactions you experience. After baby is born, use the app to log introduction of solid foods and any reactions observed. Keep notes on which foods were introduced and when, which can be helpful information for your pediatrician if allergy concerns arise.

This research is a review of existing studies and does not provide personalized medical advice. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and parents should consult with their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. If you or your child has a diagnosed food allergy, follow your doctor’s specific recommendations. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance. Individual responses to dietary changes vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.