Pregnancy : the excess of sugar exposes the child to risk of allergy

fotomircea/epictura

Published the 06.07.2017 at 17h19

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Moms-to-be, watch out for the sugar. Not only this greed could help you avoid gestational diabetes, but it also seems to be beneficial to the baby. A study from the university Queen Mary, London (United Kingdom) suggested in the European Respiratory Journal. highlights a link between high sugar consumption and the onset of allergies in the baby is exposed to it.

A cohort of 9 000 women and their children, has been followed for several years. The participants were separated into 5 groups, according to their consumption of free sugars. The greatest lovers of sweets have a slight disadvantage compared to those that absorb the least.

More inflammation

Among the children born in the 1990s, the most heavily exposed to the sugar have a 38% higher risk of allergy than others. The risk of developing allergic asthma is doubled. On the other hand, eczema and allergic rhinitis have not been affected by this characteristic of food.

A guilty thought emerges from the analysis of the british researchers. According to them, the fructose could well be the origin of this link between excess sugar and allergies in childhood. In fact, research has shown in the past that this sugar promotes the development of the C-reactive protein in the body.

This biological marker allows us to see inflammation. Its increased presence is also reflected by an elevation in the levels of uric acid. If this hypothesis is confirmed, caution will be in order. Because fructose is naturally present in fruit and honey. It is also one of the main sources of sugar in the fruit juice and sugary drinks. Without surprise, his hand rose in the plate.

The excess world

But the researchers prefer not to conclude too quickly on the subject. Other studies are necessary before asserting that a causal link exists. “Given the very high consumption of sugar in the West, we have to study this hypothesis quickly,” admits professor Seif Shaheen, who signs this study. If it is confirmed, clinical trials will be put in place. They will test the impact of a reduction in fructose consumption on the risk of allergy.

Pending these results, it is better to limit its consumption of sugar. The World Health Organization recommends not to exceed 10 % of the dietary intake totals. Little guidance applied, as in the United Kingdom, the sugar accounts for 16 % of the daily meal. In Portugal, it is a quarter of the daily intake.