Pregnant women CAN eat nuts

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For years, pregnant women have avoided eating peanuts for fear of harming their unborn child, now, however, health officials say it's actually fine to snack on nuts.

The Food Standards Agency told the Government yesterday it was time to drop its official line and let expectant mothers know that eating nuts while pregnant is unlikely to result in their child being allergic to them later in life.

'For high-risk groups there is no need for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have children aged under three to change their diets,' the FSA said.

'Where there is a family history of allergy, parents might want to discuss their individual case with their GP or health professional if they are concerned.

'The new review considered by the COT [Committee on Toxicity] does not suggest that this current advice is harmful. However, the FSA Board has agreed that the balance of evidence now available does not support continuing to follow this current advice.'

The new report follows a suggestion from the House of Lords science and technology committee last year that some of the advice given to mothers-to-be was unnecessary.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said no decision would be made until all the evidence has been considered, explaining: 'We are awaiting the FSA Board's formal advice before making a decision about revising the current policy.'

Thursday 11 December 2008

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