Open AccessMaternal antenatal folate levels and offspring risk of IgE‐mediated food sensitisation
Author(s) -
Molloy John,
Saffery Richard,
Koplin Jennifer,
Ponsonby AnneLouise,
Tang Mimi LK,
Collier Fiona,
Allen Katrina,
Vuillermin Peter
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical and translational allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.979
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2045-7022
DOI - 10.1186/2045-7022-5-s3-p90
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , gestation , cohort , population , allergy , cohort study , offspring , food allergy , pediatrics , disease , obstetrics , immunology , environmental health , genetics , biology
Background The prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergy has increased in the developed world, particularly among children less than 5 years of age. Widespread folate supplementation during pregnancy commenced in the 1980’s in an attempt to decrease the rate of neural tube defects. This introduction corresponded with the increase in inflammatory disease in children, including allergic conditions. Elevated maternal folate has been associated with allergic disease development in mice, yet there is conflicting evidence in humans as to whether elevated levels, associated with folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, may be associated with allergic airway disease in children.