A healthy pregnancy diet reduces infant colic and eczema

What the research found

For eczema, Australian allergy guidance recommends a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibre, vegetables and fruit. It says up to 3 serves of oily fish a week may help prevent eczema in early life. A 2012 study of 420 pregnant women linked higher copper intake from food with less eczema in babies at 1 year. That type of study cannot prove cause.

A 2025 randomised trial of 652 women found that prebiotic supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding did not lower eczema by age 1 (31.5% versus 32.6%). A 2024 review summary says reviews so far show that specific nutrients and foods do not prevent allergic diseases. Overall diet patterns had not yet been fully reviewed.

For colic, the evidence found is about what breastfeeding mothers eat after birth, not diet during pregnancy. A 2018 Cochrane review says the role of diet in colic remains controversial. A 2012 review suggests a low-allergen diet for the breastfeeding mother may help some breastfed babies. Researchers say better studies are needed.

What it doesn’t mean

• Eating well in pregnancy is still sensible for the mother and baby. This verdict only says it is not proven to prevent colic or eczema.
• Guidance does not recommend cutting out particular foods during pregnancy or breastfeeding to prevent allergy. If you think your baby's colic or eczema is linked to food, talk to your GP or child health nurse before changing your diet.