Pregnancy and peanuts debate

Pregnancy is the time when would-be mothers are the most pampered by one and all and are encouraged to gorge on to their favorite food. Among the snacks that they prefer too munch , peanuts are considered to be a healthy option as they are a rich source of proteins, minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, tryptophan and phosphorus. Add to that, roasted peanuts are also welcomed by the tongue. In mothers who are anemic, they prove to be a good source of iron. These nuts are also high in vitamin content as they are rich in thiamin, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and riboflavin.

However, latest studies done on women who consumed peanuts in high quantity show that munching on peanuts by pregnant mothers may not be a good idea. As per the studies, the babies born to such mothers were at a high risk of food allergies, with more cases of severe peanut allergies.

Also, the risk varied with terms, i.e. mothers who consumed peanuts in high quantities in their third trimesters were at a high risk of giving birth to babies who were sensitive to peanuts. However, researchers believe that it might be too soon to conclude the study as so far it has only proven that it can sensitize the baby and not cause full fledged allergies. It may take years to draw a conclusion.
Relationship between Pregnancy, Peanuts, and Allergy
In the United States, the current statistics read that one in 100 children is allergic to peanuts and the number has increased in the last 10 years.
However, this is not the first study. There had been a research on this matter a few years back and as a result of it, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) had advised women who were at a high risk of allergy to avoid peanuts during all three terms of pregnancy and during lactation. However, this finding lacked scientific backing and was based on limited research due to which it was annulled.