Does maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation affect egg allergy?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Observational studies have not shown a consistent link between maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation and the risk of egg allergy in the child.[1][2] Currently, there are no evidence-based recommendations for changing the maternal diet as a means of preventing food allergy. Importantly, maternal avoidance of potential food allergens, such as egg, during pregnancy or lactation does not appear to be effective in reducing the risk of food allergies and may be associated with negative effects on maternal and fetal weight gain.[3]

    Although egg proteins from the maternal diet are detectable in breast milk, maternal exclusion of egg is not usually helpful. A maternal egg-free diet may be helpful in cases where the infant is suspected to be reacting to breastmilk, or if the infant is experiencing persistent, treatment-resistant eczema.[4]