Apples During Pregnancy Protects Baby from Asthma
(NY, Reuters Health, 4/12/07)

S. M. Willers of Utrecht University and fellow researchers from The Netherlands and Scotland compared the diets of about 2,000 pregnant moms to the lung health of 1,253 of their children. The investigators found that moms who ate more than 4 apples weekly had children who were significantly less likely to wheeze or have doctor-diagnosed asthma, compared to those consuming one or no apples weekly during pregnancy. The scientists speculate that eating apples while pregnant may protect offspring from asthma and wheezing. Since the study showed no association between this effect and other fruits and vegetables, the researchers speculate that the specific phytonutrient makeup of apples may benefit lung function. In addition, the study found that the children of moms who ate fish during pregnancy had a lower risk of eczema, an allergic skin condition. Both findings indicate that modifying a pregnant woman’s eating habits may prevent allergic-type problems in her children.

(Thorax, online April 5, 2007)