Allergic disease affects one in four of the population in the UK at some time in their lives. The incidence of childhood allergy has been rising since the mid-20th century. The period from mid-gestation until 2 years is important for immune system development and may be influenced by environmental factors including diet. Thus, mother's knowledge of diet during pregnancy and childhood is particularly important. A wide variety of national guidelines by the Food Standards Agency and the British Dietetic Association exist(1–4).
We audited mothers' information sources and their knowledge of diet in pregnancy and early childhood against the current national guidelines.
A questionnaire was devised, based on current national dietary advice during pregnancy and early childhood, which included questions on peanut and caffeine consumption during pregnancy, weaning, the introduction of cow's milk into a baby's diet and vitamin supplements(1–4).
During routine clinic attendance 100 women were interviewed; antenatal clinic (50) and general paediatric clinic (50). The number of mothers using a particular source of dietary advice, and those giving the recognised correct answers are shown in the table below for each group.
In conclusion, many mothers are unaware of the current significant nutritional recommendations for diet in pregnancy and early childhood.
