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Expert Q&A

	By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois

I heard that it was bad to eat peanuts during pregnancy -- is this true? Peanuts are one of the few things I can eat! - Maria, Dublin"

Since you've been eating peanuts, we can assume you're not allergic -- so I am taking a guess at why someone told to you to stay away from peanuts. I searched for any reason peanuts would be harmful (aside from an allergic reaction). I came up with a fungus called "aflatoxin." Aflatoxin is a cancer-causing mold that may potentially contaminate peanuts, corn, rice and milk. Food tainted with aflatoxins greatly increases the risk of mental retardation of the fetus.

As for this being a risk to you, I consulted Sondra King, associate professor of family, consumer, and nutrition sciences and a Ph.D. at the College of Health and Human Sciences. She said developing countries are more susceptible to this toxin, and does not see any reason why you should stay away from them.

From my other research, I understand that your best bet is to stay with name brands and to avoid stale peanuts. One source said to stay away from grinding your own peanut butter at the grocery store. Altogether, chances are extremely low that you will be exposed to this toxin at all. If there was evidence that peanuts were harmful to pregnant women, then your would certainly hear more about it from your caregiver and probably also from the press. Continue to eat your peanuts -- a great source of protein -- and enjoy them! :o)"

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