Dutch scientists say children whose mothers eat nuts or nut products during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing asthma.According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, potent allergens found in certain nuts make the fetus 50% more susceptible to certain allergies and asthma.
The study revealed that maternal consumption of peanuts during pregnancy is strongly linked to childhood asthma.
Findings showed that having a diet rich in fruits during pregnancy has small effects on the child's risk of developing asthma.
University of Utrecht researchers concluded that expectant women should follow a healthy diet in order to give birth to children in good physical shape; however, the findings of this study do not propose a low allergen or restricted nut diet for pregnant women.
Previous studies had suggested that while genetics play an important role in developing asthma, environmental factors also contribute to the disease.
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