Apples and Fish Intake During Pregnancy: Protective Against Asthma and Allergy in Children

Medscape reports that intake of apples and fish by women during pregnancy may have a protective effect against children asthma and allergies.

The study involved women who were asked to join the study during their pregnancy. They were asked to complete a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). At 5 years of age, the children were followed up with a symptom questionnaire and FFQ. A total of 1253 children participated in the follow-up. The food groups the researchers used and analyzed included fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, whole grain products, fish, dairy product and fat spreads.

The results revealed that except for apples and fish, there were no consistent associations between childhood outcomes and maternal food intake. Except for apples and fish, no significant findings revealed any connection between what the expectant mothers took and asthma, respiratory and allergic outcomes.

The study shows that maternal intake of apples had a protective effect on the children against ever wheezing, ever having asthma, and clinician-confirmed asthma. Intake of fish had a protective effect on the children against clinician-confirmed eczema.

The authors of the study wrote that if partnered with vitamins E & D and zinc during pregnancy, intake of apples and fish may significantly reduce risk of children developing asthma and atopic disease.

Apples may have this positive effect on one's health because of the high antioxidant content the fruit has. In particular, the peels of apples are high in phenolics. Apple peels are also shown to effectively inhibit the growth of liver cancer.

The high content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and anti-proliferative activity of apple peels may indicate that they provide health benefits when taken, and therefore could be regarded as a valuable source of antioxidants.

The International Food Information Council also reports of a research that indicates that a variety of fish is beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke and coronary disease, particularly among women.

Fish contains fat commonly known as omega-3's. Many researchers support the claim that omega-3's reduce the risk of blood clotting or sticking to the artery wall. This could result in cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Canned tuna, salmon and even sardines are good sources of protein and omega-3's.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns women who are pregnant or of childbearing age about the consumption of larger predatory fish species. This includes shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel. This is due to the levels of methyl mercury found in those fish. The advisory recommends 12 ounces of canned fish per week can safely be consumed. Still, the health benefits of fish intake outweigh any associated food-related risks. As a matter of fact, the American Heart Association also recommends two fish servings per week so as to achieve good benefits for the heart.

Sources:
Medscape Today
ACS Publications
International Food Information Council