Eating dry fruits during pregnancy can lower children’s allergy risk after birth: Research

What an expecting mother eats during pregnancy does more than provide energy and nourishment for her body—it can leave a lasting impact on her baby’s long-term health. Nutrition has always been central to a healthy pregnancy, but new research highlights that certain food choices may play a preventive role against childhood diseases.

A peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports has found that mothers who consumed dry fruits, nuts, vegetables, and protein-rich foods while pregnant had babies with a significantly lower risk of developing allergies in their first year of life, suggesting diet can shape early immunity.

Dry fruits in pregnancy linked to lower allergy risk

Dry fruits and nuts are nutrient-dense, rich in vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are known to reduce inflammation and support fetal immune development.

They may also improve breast milk quality, providing ongoing protection to infants after birth. By regulating inflammation pathways linked to allergic reactions, these foods may lower the chances of conditions such as eczema, asthma, and food allergies in early childhood.The study, conducted in Iran with 244 mothers, compared the pregnancy diets of women whose children developed allergies with those of healthy controls.

Using food frequency questionnaires, researchers grouped participants by eating habits. Mothers who regularly consumed dry fruits, nuts, vegetables, and proteins fell into the “nutrient-rich” category and had babies with the lowest odds of allergic disease.

The protective effect remained strong even after adjusting for lifestyle and health variables.

Broader lessons from the research

Interestingly, the study found no protective effect from diets dominated by cereals, refined carbohydrates, or salty snacks.

This finding supports global research pointing to the importance of plant-based, nutrient-dense diets during pregnancy. Experts emphasize that, instead of avoiding allergenic foods, embracing a balanced diet with wholesome, culturally familiar choices may be a more effective way to build stronger immunity in children.While genetic and environmental factors still influence the risk of allergies, diet is one area where mothers can make a direct difference. Regularly eating dry fruits, nuts, vegetables, and proteins during pregnancy can give babies a healthier start in life, helping reduce the risk of early allergies and supporting long-term wellness.