Peanuts, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Yesterday the Today program had a segment on peanuts and pregnancy. The March of Dimes has reviewed the new research study from Holland mentioned on Today. Here’s what we think.
For women who do not have a history of nut allergies, peanuts and peanut butter can be a good source of folate and protein as part of healthy, diverse diet. Women with nut allergies should always avoid eating nut products, not just while pregnant or breastfeeding.
A mother who has a nut allergy, or who has a close relative who does, should not eat peanuts or peanut products while breastfeeding. Her children have a greater than average risk of developing peanut allergies.
Women with a strong family history of serious allergies (such as asthma, atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis) should check with a doctor trained in food allergies about whether they should eat peanuts.
For more information, read Peanuts, Folic Acid and Peanut Allergies.
Tags: asthma, breastfeeding, nuts, peanut butter, peanuts, Pregnancy, pregnant