Kids of mums aged over 35 may be less likely to develop food allergies, wheezing, eczema

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-01-21 03:00

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Japanese and US scientists say children of mothers who were aged 35 or older when they gave birth are less likely than kids of younger mums to be diagnosed with a food allergy at one year old, and less likely to experience wheezing, eczema, and to develop a sensitivity to house dust mites at four years old. The team looked at health records of 34,942 Japanese kids, with follow-up data collected at ages one, two and four. Having kids after the age of 35 may protect them from these conditions, perhaps because older parents are more financially secure and more knowledgeable about health than younger parents, the study authors conclude.