Does maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation affect allergy outcomes in their offspring? A systematic review of food based approaches

Methods We included studies published up to August 2011 which compared a food-based maternal dietary intervention (intake during pregnancy &/or lactation) with another intervention or no intervention, as well as studies examining associations between maternal dietary intake during pregnancy &/or lactation and allergic outcomes in their children from the index pregnancy. Primary outcomes included child eczema, asthma, hayfever and sensitization (to food or environmental allergens). Studies assessing dietary supplements were not eligible for inclusion, nor were studies where dietary intakes were expressed only in terms of nutrients. Studies exclusively investigating maternal nut and peanut consumption during pregnancy &/or lactation were excluded.