Avoidance diets for prevention of allergy

The literature around avoidance diets during pregnancy to prevent allergy is controversial. If there is a strong family history of atopic disease, then some suggest that it may be advisable to avoid peanuts or foods containing peanuts during pregnancy. Avoidance of other foods (especially entire food groups, for example milk) is controversial, since this may have a significant impact on a woman’s nutritional status.

The AAP rescinded its previous recommendation for women to avoid peanuts during pregnancy, and lactating mothers of high risk infants to avoid peanuts and tree nuts, and to consider avoiding eggs, cow milk, and fish while nursing based on inconclusive evidence. (AAP, 2008)

A recent Cochrane Review found that the evidence does not support the use of avoidance diets. In fact, in one study, women who avoided milk, eggs, and other foods gained less weight than other women. (Kramer and Kakuma, 2012)