Does maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation affect egg allergy?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Observational studies indicate no consistent association between maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation and the risk of egg allergy in children, and avoiding potential allergens like eggs may not effectively reduce allergy risk. Although egg proteins can be found in breast milk, a maternal egg-free diet may only be beneficial in specific cases, such as when an infant shows reactions to breast milk or has persistent eczema.

    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]

    Does maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation affect egg allergy? - Examine