Eating This Fruit During Pregnancy May Lower Baby’s Food Allergy Risk

As food allergies among kids continue to rise, sending 2 in 5 children to the ER for allergic reactions, a growing number of families are looking for ways to reduce the risk before it even begins. While most allergy prevention efforts focus on baby’s first bites, new research suggests the fight against food allergies can begin even earlier.

A study published in Pediatric Research found that eating avocados while pregnant could lower your baby’s risk of developing food allergies by the time they turn one. Researchers looked at data from more than 2,200 pregnant individuals and found that those who ate at least one avocado during either their first or third trimester had 43.6% lower odds of reporting food allergies in their children at 12 months—even after accounting for factors like age, diet, breastfeeding and lifestyle.

So, how does a little avocado toast give baby such big benefits?

The science behind this lies in “maternal exposures,” or how what a pregnant person eats can help shape their baby’s developing immune system and GI tract. “The potential benefit of avocados during pregnancy might be explained by various mechanisms at the nutrient level,” researchers explain. In other words, avocados, researchers explain, offer a triple benefit thanks to antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats.

• Antioxidants like vitamin E and zinc (both found in avocados) may help program a baby’s immune system in utero. Some studies have linked higher antioxidant intake during pregnancy with lower allergy risk in kids.
• Fiber plays a key role in shaping the gut microbiome. One avocado has over 9 grams of fiber, and studies suggest that when moms consume fiber during pregnancy, it helps produce short-chain fatty acids that may protect babies from allergic reactions later on.
• Monounsaturated fats, another avocado staple, are known to help modulate immune responses. These healthy fats have already been linked to a reduced risk of asthma in teens and adults, and researchers believe similar effects may occur in infants, though more research is needed.

While this is the first study to look specifically at avocado intake and infant allergy risk, it’s far from the first to explore how maternal nutrition shapes baby’s health. From vitamin D supplementation to Mediterranean diets rich in olive oil and fish, what moms eat during pregnancy may play a powerful role in shaping allergy outcomes for their little ones.

Want to give your baby the best start possible? Check out these healthy pregnancy snacks that’ll actually satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.