This study analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population-based birth cohort that recruited 14 ,541 predominantly white pregnant women resident in Avon, UK with expected dates of delivery from April 1991 to December 1992. These pregnancies resulted in 13, 972 singleton or twin children who were alive at 1 year of age. The cohort has been followed since birth with annual questionnaires and, since age 7 years, with objective measures in annual research clinics.
The researchers comment that this type of observational research is unable to prove causality; however given the high consumption of sugar in the West they will be investigating the hypothesis further “with some urgency”. If these findings are replicated in other cohorts then they may look to design a trial to test whether childhood allergy and allergic asthma could be prevented by reducing consumption of sugar by mothers during pregnancy. In the meantime they recommend that pregnant women follow current guidelines on sugar intake and avoid excessive consumption.