epocrates

What your patients are reading: Week of May 1, 2025

May 9, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be reading. Here are this week's highlights:

Expectant mothers: This fruit might help prevent food allergies in babies

(Newsweek)—A recent study from Finland has found that pregnant women who consume avocados may significantly reduce their babies' risk of developing food allergies. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,200 mother-child pairs, found that babies born to mothers who ate avocados during pregnancy were 44% less likely to develop food allergies by their first birthday. The study highlights avocados' nutrient-rich profile, including fiber, healthy fats, folate, and lutein, which are essential for fetal and infant development.

Healthy diet may delay puberty onset in girls

(NBC News)—A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that girls consuming anti-inflammatory foods are less likely to experience early menarche. Researchers analyzed health records and dietary habits of over 7,500 girls aged 9 to 14 from the Growing Up Today Study, using scales to measure overall diet quality and inflammatory potential. Results showed that girls with the healthiest diets were 8% less likely to start their periods early, while those with the most inflammatory diets were 15% more likely to experience early menarche, with the median age of first menstruation at 13.1 years. This study underscores that diet quality, rather than body weight, significantly influences puberty onset. Encouraging healthier eating habits in young girls could delay puberty, potentially reducing risks associated with early menarche, such as depression, substance abuse, and long-term health issues like breast cancer and heart disease.

Study debunks cold plunge benefits for post-exercise recovery in women

(Newsweek)—A study published in PLoS ONE by researchers at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland found that neither cold- nor hot-water immersion significantly improved muscle recovery in women after intense physical activity. Led by exercise scientist Vanessa Wellauer, the study involved 30 female participants who performed strenuous drop-jumps and were then assigned to different recovery methods. Despite some physiological differences observed, such as body temperature changes and muscle oxygen levels, these did not translate into better muscle recovery. The findings suggest that the perceived benefits of cold plunges may not hold up for women. Dr. Farah Ahmad highlighted potential benefits like mood enhancement and improved metabolic health but cautioned about the cardiovascular stress they can cause.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Sources:

Gray, D. (2025, May 8). Newsweek. The Fruit Linked to Lower Food Allergy Risk in Babies. https://www.newsweek.com/avocado-baby-pregnancy-food-allergy-risk-nutrition-2069551

Leake, L. (2025, May 7). NBC News. Girls who eat a healthy diet may be less likely to start puberty early, study suggests. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/puberty-late-period-healthy-diet-chemicals-obesity-rcna204935

Notarantonio, L. (2025, May 7). Newsweek. Cold Plunges' Post-Exercise Effects on Women May Surprise You. https://www.newsweek.com/cold-plunge-ice-bath-women-exercise-recovery-health-2066652