Higher consumption of ultra-processed food by pregnant women was linked to an increased risk of infantile atopic dermatitis within the first year of life.

2024 Nutrition Journal Association of maternal ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy with atopic dermatitis in infancy: Korean Mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study Jang W, Kim M, Ha E, Kim H

Eczema Ultra-Processed Foods

The research used 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health project in Korea. These women’s dietary intake was measured using the 24-hour recall method during 12-28 weeks gestation. Foods were classified as ultra-processed following the NOVA classification and their consumption was calculated as the proportion of total energy intake, with participants categorized into quartiles. The prevalence of infantile atopic dermatitis was assessed based on their medical histories and according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria.

The results revealed that children born to mothers in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption, compared to the lowest quartile, showed a higher risk towards atopic dermatitis within 12 months. This relationship became stronger after adjusting for certain confounding variables. Additionally, the link stayed consistent even after adjusting based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, which measures diet quality.

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