A new study published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology examined the association between red blood cell (RBC) folate status in the third trimester of pregnancy and allergic disease among offspring.

This study entailed measurement of RBC folate levels at 28-32 weeks gestation in a prospective birth cohort of 1074 pregnant women. Food allergy outcomes were assessed in 1-year-old infants by skin-prick testing and subsequent food challenge. Eczema was assessed by questionnaire and clinical review. High trimester three RBC folate was defined as greater than 1360 nmol/L. 

The observations depicted that the mean concentration of red blood cell folate was 1695.6 nmol/L, with 82% being greater than 1,360 nmol/L. There was neither an evidence of linear or non-linear relationships between trimester three RBC folate and allergic outcomes, nor between high RBC folate and food allergy, food sensitization or eczema. 

Therefore, a majority of pregnant women enrolled had high RBC folate levels. No evidence of associations were found between trimester three RBC folate and food allergy, food sensitization or eczema among the offspring.

Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2020 Jan;31(1):38-46. doi: 10.1111/pai.13128.