Do Maternal Factors During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Have an Affect on the Development of Food Allergies in Children?

Background: Food allergies are a growing concern in the pediatric population. They affect over 3 million children in the US and its incidence has risen 18% from 1997 (Branum and Lukacs, 2008). Methods: A literature review was conducted in order to find the most recent studies regarding maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding associated with the development of food allergies in children. Eight studies were found and analyzed for their results. Results: Three studies concluded that there is a link between maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the development of food allergies. Two studies concluded that there is insufficient data to make a definitive correlation between maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the development of food allergies. Three studies concluded that there is no correlation between maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the development of food allergies. Conclusion: Based on the findings more research needs to be done in order to change current recommendations about a correlation between maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the development of food allergies