FOOD INTOLERANCE NETWORK FACTSHEET
PREGNANCY AND DIET
Q. My first child is
food intolerant and I am now pregnant again. Will what I eat during the
pregnancy affect my baby's chances of having intolerances too? Is there
anything I can do to minimise the problem?
A: When talking about diet
in pregnancy, it is important to distinguish between allergies and
intolerances, see also factsheet on allergies and intolerances.
ALLERGY
In families with a history
of true allergy such as asthma, eczema and hayfever, avoidance of common
allergens - especially nuts and peanuts, but also any known allergies in the
family, eg dairy foods, egg, soy, wheat - is recommended in the last six to
eight weeks of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. True allergies can be
detected by skin prick tests.
PREVENTING ALLERGY
There is evidence that
taking lactobacillus GG (in
INTOLERANCES
For families with a history
of food intolerance, it is thought that avoidance of salicylates and food
additives during pregnancy will not prevent the development of food
intolerance. Of course, the failsafe diet is recommended during breastfeeding
if the baby is unsettled - with the supervision of a dietitian.
I recommend avoidance of
ribonucleotides (flavour enhancers 635, 631, 627) - these additives are
different from all others and reports suggest that they may in fact trigger
food intolerance in unborn babies. I also recommend avoiding other additives,
especially the bread preservative (propionates 280-283) and artificial food
colourings. The safety of food additives on developing brains with regard to
learning abilities have not been sufficiently tested and there are some rat
studies which suggest negative effects.
EXPOSURES WHICH CAN WORSEN INTOLERANCES
Intolerances in susceptible
children can be made much worse by exposure during pregnancy to a variety of
toxic chemicals. It is a very good idea to avoid pesticides inside and outside
the home, especially organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon, but
any pesticides are a risk. Avoid also solvents, strong household cleaners and
volatile organic chemicals, eg in paints and glues, new homes, and new cars.
Pregnancy and early childhood is not the time to have houses treated for pests
or renovated. See also factsheet on Fumes and Perfumes.
When following the failsafe
diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is important to get a dietitian to
check your nutrition, as requirements change.
Further reading:
Factsheet on food allergy
and intolerances
Factsheet on fumes and
perfumes
Effects of exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals during pregnancy - 'Johnny can't read' - www.childenvironment.org
Brusque AM and others.
Chronic administration of propionic acid reduces ganglioside N-acetylneuraminic
acid concentration in cerebellum of young rats. J. Neurol. Sci. 1998;158(2):121-4.
www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info
The information given is not intended as medical advice. Always consult
with your doctor for underlying illness. Before beginning dietary investigation,
consult a dietician with an interest in food intolerance.
update 30 June
2003
