Maternal antenatal folate levels and offspring risk of IgE-mediated food sensitisation

Background The prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergy has increased in the developed world, particularly among children less than 5 years of age. Widespread folate supplementation during pregnancy commenced in the 1980’s in an attempt to decrease the rate of neural tube defects. This introduction corresponded with the increase in inflammatory disease in children, including allergic conditions. Elevated maternal folate has been associated with allergic disease development in mice, yet there is conflicting evidence in humans as to whether elevated levels, associated with folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, may be associated with allergic airway disease in children.