The objective of this study was to examine the effect of maternal dietary intake during lactation on allergic sensitization at the age of 5 in children carrying HLA-DQB1-conferred susceptibility to
type 1 diabetes. We analyzed data for 652 consecutively born children with complete information on maternal diet and
allergen-specific
immunoglobulin E (
IgE) measurements who are participating in the Finnish
Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (
DIPP) Nutrition and
allergy study. Analysis was performed using logistic regression. In models that included the significant uncorrelated dietary variables, maternal intake of
butters and
saturated fatty acids was associated with increased risk, while
margarine was associated with a decreased risk, of sensitization to wheat
allergen in the offspring. Maternal intake of potatoes, milks, and
margarine and low-fat spreads were associated with decreased risk of sensitization to birch
allergen. On the other hand, intake of potatoes decreased the risk, while
vitamin C and eggs increased the risk, of cat allergic sensitization. Maternal intake of
butters and
saturated fatty acids during lactation may increase the risk, while margarines may decrease the risk, of sensitization to wheat
allergen in the offspring. Maternal intake of potatoes, milks, and margarines may decrease the risk of sensitization to birch
allergen. On the other hand, intake of potatoes may decrease the risk, while
vitamin C and eggs may increase the risk, of cat allergic sensitization. These effects may persist regardless of maternal or parental allergic status.