Gram Research analysis shows that eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding does not reduce the risk of babies developing allergies to these foods. A randomized trial of 2,137 pregnant women found that 7.8% of babies whose mothers ate lots of eggs and peanuts developed allergies by age 1, compared to 8.4% in the standard diet group, a difference that was not statistically significant.
Researchers tested whether pregnant women eating lots of eggs and peanuts could help their babies avoid developing allergies to these foods. Over 2,100 pregnant women participated in the study, with half eating a high amount of eggs and peanuts and half eating normal amounts. By the time babies turned one year old, both groups had similar rates of egg and peanut allergies. This finding challenges the popular idea that exposing babies to allergens before birth through mom’s diet can prevent allergies from developing.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 2,137 pregnant women published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that eating at least 6 eggs and 60 peanuts per week during pregnancy and breastfeeding resulted in 7.8% of babies developing allergies by age 1, compared to 8.4% in the standard diet group, with no significant difference between groups.
The high egg-peanut diet group had a relative risk of 0.93 for infant allergy compared to the standard diet group, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.69 to 1.26, indicating the dietary intervention provided no meaningful allergy prevention benefit.
Safety outcomes were similar between pregnant women eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts and those eating standard amounts, showing that increased allergen consumption during pregnancy and lactation did not cause additional maternal or infant safety concerns.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether pregnant women eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts could prevent their babies from developing allergies to these foods
- Who participated: 2,137 pregnant women whose families had a history of allergies. Women were split into two groups: one ate at least 6 eggs and 60 peanuts per week, while the other ate no more than 3 eggs and 30 peanuts per week
- Key finding: About 7.8% of babies whose mothers ate lots of eggs and peanuts developed allergies, compared to 8.4% in the standard diet group. This small difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could have happened by chance
- What it means for you: If you’re pregnant and worried about your baby developing food allergies, eating extra eggs and peanuts probably won’t help prevent them. Talk to your doctor about allergy prevention strategies that have stronger evidence
The Research Details
This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned pregnant women to one of two groups before 23 weeks of pregnancy. One group ate a high amount of eggs and peanuts (at least 6 eggs and 60 peanuts weekly), while the other group ate standard amounts (no more than 3 eggs and 30 peanuts weekly). Women continued this diet through pregnancy and for 4 months after giving birth while breastfeeding. The study took place at multiple hospitals across Australia and New Zealand, involving over 2,100 women total.
The researchers focused on women whose families had a history of allergies, since these babies had a higher risk of developing food allergies themselves. They measured whether babies developed IgE-mediated allergies, which is a specific type of allergic reaction that happens quickly after eating the food. Babies were tested at 1 year of age to see if they had developed allergies to eggs or peanuts.
This approach was based on the theory that exposing babies to allergens before birth through their mother’s diet, and after birth through breast milk, might help their immune systems learn to tolerate these foods instead of reacting to them. However, the study results didn’t support this theory.
This research design is important because it’s the gold standard for testing whether a treatment or dietary change actually works. By randomly assigning women to different groups and following them over time, researchers could compare what happened in each group fairly. The large number of participants (over 2,100) makes the results more reliable than smaller studies. Testing babies at a specific age (1 year) gave researchers a clear point to measure outcomes
This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most respected medical journals in the world. The research was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and other organizations. The study was registered in a clinical trial database before it started, which helps prevent researchers from changing their methods based on results. Both groups had similar safety outcomes, suggesting the high-allergen diet was safe for pregnant women. However, the study only included families with a history of allergies, so results may not apply to all pregnant women
What the Results Show
The main finding was that eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding did not reduce the risk of babies developing allergies to these foods. In the high egg-peanut group, 7.8% of babies developed allergies by age 1. In the standard diet group, 8.4% of babies developed allergies. The difference between these two percentages was very small and could easily have happened by chance.
Statistically, researchers calculated a relative risk of 0.93, which means the high-allergen diet group had only a 7% lower risk than the standard diet group. However, the confidence interval (0.69 to 1.26) was wide, meaning the true effect could be anywhere from a 31% reduction to a 26% increase in allergy risk. The p-value was 0.65, which is much higher than the 0.05 threshold scientists use to declare something statistically significant.
Safety was similar in both groups, meaning pregnant women who ate large amounts of eggs and peanuts did not experience more problems than those eating standard amounts. This shows the high-allergen diet was safe to follow during pregnancy and breastfeeding, even though it didn’t prevent allergies.
The study found that both groups had similar rates of other allergic conditions and that the timing of exposure (during pregnancy versus during breastfeeding) did not appear to matter. Babies in both groups developed allergies at comparable rates, suggesting that the amount of allergen exposure through maternal diet did not influence whether babies’ immune systems would react to these foods
This study challenges earlier research suggesting that early allergen exposure might prevent food allergies. Some smaller studies and observational research had suggested that eating allergens during pregnancy and breastfeeding could help, but this large randomized trial found no benefit. The results align with recent thinking that food allergy development is complex and involves genetics, immune system development, and possibly other factors beyond just early food exposure
The study only included families with a history of allergies, so results may not apply to families without allergy history. The study measured allergies at 1 year of age, so it’s unclear whether the high-allergen diet might prevent allergies later in childhood. The study focused only on eggs and peanuts, so results may not apply to other common allergens like milk, tree nuts, or shellfish. Women in the study were mostly from Australia and New Zealand, so results may differ in other populations with different genetic backgrounds
The Bottom Line
Pregnant women should not feel pressured to eat unusually large amounts of eggs and peanuts to prevent baby allergies. If you’re pregnant and concerned about food allergies, discuss evidence-based prevention strategies with your doctor. Current evidence does not support high-allergen diets as an allergy prevention method. Continue eating a balanced diet that includes foods you normally enjoy and tolerate well
This research is most relevant to pregnant women whose families have a history of food allergies or other allergic diseases. Women without family allergy history may have different results, though this study doesn’t provide information about that group. Parents of babies already born should know this doesn’t change recommendations for introducing allergens to babies who are ready for solid foods
If you were to follow a high-allergen diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you would not expect to see reduced allergy rates in your baby by 1 year of age based on this research. Allergy development is determined by multiple factors, and dietary changes alone are unlikely to prevent allergies in susceptible babies
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eating more eggs and peanuts during pregnancy prevent baby food allergies?
No. A 2026 trial of 2,137 pregnant women found that eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding did not reduce infant allergy rates compared to standard amounts. About 7.8% of babies in the high-allergen group developed allergies versus 8.4% in the standard group, a difference that was not statistically significant.
Is it safe to eat lots of eggs and peanuts while pregnant if I have a family history of allergies?
Yes, eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts during pregnancy appears safe based on this study. However, safety doesn’t mean it prevents allergies. Talk to your doctor about what diet is best for your specific situation and family history.
What should pregnant women do to prevent food allergies in their babies?
This study shows that eating extra allergens during pregnancy doesn’t prevent allergies. Allergy prevention is complex and involves genetics and immune system development. Discuss evidence-based strategies with your doctor rather than relying on dietary changes alone.
Does breast milk carry allergens that help babies develop tolerance?
This study tested whether breast milk containing high amounts of egg and peanut allergens would prevent allergies, but found no benefit. Babies in both groups had similar allergy rates, suggesting breast milk allergen content doesn’t significantly influence allergy development.
When should I introduce eggs and peanuts to my baby to prevent allergies?
This study focused on prenatal and breastfeeding exposure, not when to introduce solid foods. Current guidelines suggest introducing common allergens early when babies are ready for solids, but discuss timing with your pediatrician based on your baby’s readiness and family history.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly egg and peanut consumption during pregnancy (number of eggs and peanuts eaten per week) alongside any allergy symptoms or reactions your baby develops after birth, noting the type and severity of any allergic responses
- Rather than forcing high amounts of eggs and peanuts, focus on eating a varied, balanced diet during pregnancy that naturally includes these foods in normal amounts. Use the app to log your regular diet and monitor how you feel, rather than tracking allergen quantities specifically
- If you’re pregnant, log your typical weekly food intake and note any digestive changes or reactions. After baby is born, track introduction of solid foods and any allergic reactions separately from maternal diet tracking, since this study shows maternal diet amounts don’t predict baby allergy outcomes
This research shows that eating high amounts of eggs and peanuts during pregnancy does not prevent food allergies in babies. However, this study involved only families with a history of allergies and measured outcomes at 1 year of age. Individual results may vary based on genetics, overall diet, and other factors. Pregnant women should not change their diet based on this study without consulting their healthcare provider. This information is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you or your baby have concerns about food allergies, speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.