Fish and apples while pregnant good for children

Scottish and Dutch researchers collaborated to investigate the link between different foods eaten during pregnancy on asthma, wheezing and eczema in 5-year-old children.

Fruit, vegetables, fruit juice, whole grain foods, fish, dairy products and fat spreads were all investigated but only two strong links were found. Women who consumed apples during pregnancy had children less likely to have asthma and wheezing, while consuming fish appeared to help protect children from developing eczema.

While pregnant it is advised not to eat raw fish and seafood, but cooked seafood eaten while hot is fine. NZ Food Safety has a full list of fish that can be eaten freely during pregnancy and ones that should not be.

Source: Thorax, March 2007