Investigating how expecting mothers' diets affect children's food allergies
Official title: Expecting Mothers' Study of Consumption or Avoidance of Peanut and Egg (ESCAPE)
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10918323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating or avoiding peanuts and eggs during pregnancy and breastfeeding might affect whether babies develop food allergies, especially for families with a history of allergies, to help find the best times to introduce these foods and reduce allergy risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $758,062 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI173032-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include expecting mothers, particularly those with a family history of food allergies or who are at higher risk of having allergic children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not expecting or who do not have a family history of food allergies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of maternal consumption or avoidance of peanut and egg during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the development of food allergies in infants. It aims to identify critical periods for introducing allergenic foods to reduce the risk of allergies, particularly in high-risk populations. The study will involve monitoring dietary habits and allergy outcomes in infants, focusing on those with a family history of allergies. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to provide insights into effective prevention strategies for food allergies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new guidelines for expecting mothers that may significantly reduce the incidence of food allergies in their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding maternal diet and food allergy prevention, indicating that this research could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarvinen-Seppo, Kirsi — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Jarvinen-Seppo, Kirsi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.