Research suggests taking supplements while pregnant can reduce risk of eczema in children

Taking supplements while pregnant can reduce the risk of eczema in children.

A study has shown that expectant mothers who took probiotic supplements reduced the chances of their children developing the skin condition by 22 percent. The mums-to-be took the supplement during their 36th and 38th weeks of pregnancy. The research also showed that women who took daily fish oil capsules after 20 weeks and during breastfeeding cut the chances of their child developing an allergy to eggs by 30 percent. Researchers from the Imperial College London said that the findings proved significant positives from taking supplements. The study also found that avoiding allergy-triggering foods such as eggs or nuts had no effect on the child. Dr Robert Boyle said that eczema and food allergies are a growing problem for children all around the world.

“Although there has been a suggestion that what a woman eats during pregnancy may affect her baby’s risk of developing allergies or eczema, until now there has never been such a comprehensive analysis of the data. “Our research suggests probiotic and fish oil supplements may reduce a child’s risk of developing an allergic condition, and these findings need to be considered when guidelines for pregnant women are updated.”

The research used data from over 400 studies involving 1.5 million mums and children. According to the Irish Skincare Foundation, one in five children in Ireland have eczema. Similarly, the condition affects up to one in 12 adults. For more information on how to treat eczema, visit the ISF's website.