Abundant Supply of Nutrients

An abundant supply of nutrients supports normal growth and development of the body and immune system, which is protective against allergies.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential in inducing regulatory effects on the immune system and strengthening epithelial barriers, which decreases the risk and severity of allergies.¹¹

Infants with low vitamin D are more likely to have egg or peanut allergies and are more likely to have multiple allergies compared to infants with normal vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D can be acquired naturally through sun exposure to the skin, certain foods, or supplements.

Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D. Having sufficient magnesium allows the health benefits of vitamin D to be realized. Too much vitamin D can lead to a magnesium deficiency, so make sure you are intaking a good balance of both nutrients.¹²

Having a sufficient amount of bioavailable vitamin D is crucial to reducing the risk of developing allergies.

Iron

Poor iron status at birth increases the risk of developing allergies, so your child needs to have a sufficient supply of iron.¹³

Doing the following facilitates this:

• Having adequate maternal iron levels
• Delayed umbilical cord clamping: Waiting at least 3 minutes allows time for the transfer of nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to your child. This additional blood reduces the prevalence of iron deficiency in infants.¹⁴

Vitamin C

Maternal intake of fresh foods rich in vitamin C is protective against childhood wheeze.¹⁵

Copper

Maternal copper intake reduces the risk of childhood eczema, wheeze, and any allergic disease.¹⁵

Too much copper can lead to a zinc deficiency, and too much zinc can lead to a copper deficiency, so make sure you are intaking a good balance of both minerals.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Sufficient maternal, infant, and childhood intake of omega-3 fatty acids has protective effects against allergies.¹⁶