Adherence to Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Development of Food Allergy in the Offspring: Results From the MEDALLION Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Prevention is a key strategy for reducing the burden of food allergies (FA). The maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding is increasingly recognized as a factor contributing to FA risk.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a sub-cohort of the MEDALLION study to evaluate the association between maternal adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and the development of FA in offsprings. Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and lactation was assessed using a validated scale, i.e., the MedDiet Score, along with individual food group consumption. Multiple logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 430 mother-offspring dyads were included in the analysis. Higher maternal adherence to the MedDiet was associated with reduced odds of FA in offspring during both pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-1.00) and lactation (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-1.00). Increased weekly consumption of fruits and full-fat dairy products during pregnancy, and vegetables during breastfeeding, was associated with reduced likelihood of FA in the offspring. Conversely, higher intake of poultry and red meat (> 3 servings/week) during both periods, and fish consumption during pregnancy (> 1 serving/week), were associated with increased odds of FA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study points out that the MedDiet and, especially, some specific components, such as fruits, vegetables, and full-fat dairy products, may contribute to lowering the risk of FA in infants, whereas a higher intake of poultry, red meat, and fish may increase it. These findings support the potential of maternal nutrition to reduce childhood FA.