NIH

NIH launches trial to test if maternal diet can prevent infant food allergies

August 7, 2025

NIH has launched a nationwide clinical trial to determine whether maternal consumption of peanuts and eggs during pregnancy and breastfeeding can prevent early signs of food allergy in infants. The study targets high-risk babies—those with a family history of allergic disease—and aims to intervene before solid foods are introduced.

Previous research shows that some infants develop IgE antibodies to allergens like peanut and egg before ever consuming them, suggesting sensitization may begin in utero or via breast milk. The trial, called ESCAPE (NCT06260956), will enroll 504 mother-infant pairs and randomly assign mothers to either consume or avoid peanut and egg starting in the third trimester and continuing through breastfeeding. The primary outcome is the presence of IgE antibodies in infants’ blood at 4 to 6 months of age.

If successful, the study could reshape early food allergy prevention strategies by shifting focus to maternal diet as a modifiable factor. Results are expected in 2029.

Source:

(2025, August 5). NIH. Study to test if mothers’ diet prevents early signs of food allergy in babies. [News release]. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-test-if-mothers-diet-prevents-early-sign-food-allergy-babies