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News
Seafood during pregnancy linked to healthier babies. A new JAMA Network Open study found that pregnant women who followed a Mediterranean-style diet — especially eating fish and seafood — had infants with significantly lower rates of colic and eczema by 6 months. Each weekly serving of seafood was tied to a 25% reduced risk of both conditions, offering a compelling, baby-focused reason to prioritize good nutrition during pregnancy.
A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that what a pregnant person eats may shape their baby's early immune health. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 mother-child pairs and found that adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy was associated with meaningfully lower odds of infants developing colic and eczema by 6 months of age — two conditions that affect up to 25% and 20% of newborns, respectively, and often co-occur.
Fish and seafood emerged as the standout protective factor. Experts believe nutrients like vitamin D, iodine, and selenium in seafood may support fetal immune development and the gut microbiome. Conversely, higher intake of inflammatory foods was linked to a 34% increase in the odds of infants having both conditions.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Colic and eczema cause significant distress for infants and families alike, and colic is also linked to later allergy risk. A simple, actionable dietary message — eat more fish during pregnancy — could give clinicians a powerful, relatable tool to improve prenatal counseling and infant outcomes.
