Apples during pregnancy could reduce asthma risk
17 April 2007

Women who eat apples during pregnancy may reduce the chances of their children developing asthma by the age of five, according to research funded by Asthma UK.

Researchers discovered that the children of mothers who ate the most apples during pregnancy were 50% less likely to be diagnosed with asthma by the age of five. The study also determined that mothers who ate more fish during pregnancy reduce the likelihood of their child developing eczema during early life, and those mothers eating more oily fish during pregnancy reduce the likelihood of their child developing hayfever by the age of five.

The researchers suggest that the beneficial ‘apple-specific’ effect could come from powerful antioxidants called flavanoids, which have previously been associated with improved lung function in adults.

The study also noted that apple consumption in the UK has fallen to around 173g per person per day, compared to 207g in 1974. However, more research is needed to establish the exact association between the development of early-life asthma and consumption of these individual foods before recommendations can be made regarding the amount of apples or fish eaten during pregnancy.

Dr Victoria King, Asthma UK’s Research Development Manager said: 'Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy is advisable and this study suggests simple modifications to a pregnant mother’s diet that may help protect her child from developing asthma before the age of five. One in ten children in the UK has asthma, therefore, we are pleased to have funded research that could provide a natural way to help reduce the incidence of childhood asthma.'