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<p>The study involved a whole population prospective birth cohort consisting of over 1,000 mothers recruited from the Isle of Wight in 2001/2002 (after the COT advice). Food frequency questionnaires were used to monitor what mothers ate during pregnancy and while breast-feeding and in-depth interviews were conducted to identify which mothers had avoided peanuts during pregnancy. Children were followed until three years of age and tested yearly for peanut sensitisation.</p>
<p>Background: In the light of Department of Health's 1998 COT report on peanut allergy, there was a need to establish whether the advice for atopic mothers to avoid peanuts during pregnancy and lactation has had any affect on the incidence of peanut allergy. In addition, there was a requirement to establish what impact, if any, this advice has had on the maternal consumption of peanut during pregnancy and breastfeeding. </p>