Dear Chris,
As you are aware, the MoD and the National PN Board have joined forces to promote PNs as a source of folic acid (See [url="http://www.modimes.org/About2/PressReleases/2001/peanutboard.htm)."]http://www.modimes.org/About2/PressReleases/2001/peanutboard.htm).[/url] The materials that are being distributed in connection with this campaign make no mention of the recent studies indicating that children whose mothers consume PNs while pregnant or nursing are at a higher risk of developing PN allergy, particularly if there is a family history of allergies. Moreover, the materials describe PNs as a "rich" and "excellent" source of folic acid when other foods such as eggs, oranges, broccoli, bread, cereal, spinach and prenatal vitamins are actually far better sources. Unlike the National PN Board, however, the producers of these foods, did not contribute $2.5 million to the MoD WalkAmerica campaign.
Michael Jacobson of CSPI has been corresponding with
the MoD, and it appears that they are willing to add the following warning to future publications that are cosponsored by the Nat'l PN Board: "Any woman with a family history of PN allergies should avoid eating PNs or PN products at all times, not just while pregnant or breastfeeding." Also, MoD recently posted info on its website that includes warnings to women with a family history of nut or other allergies (See [url="http://www.modimes.org/HealthLibrary2/peanuts.htm)."]http://www.modimes.org/HealthLibrary2/peanuts.htm).[/url] I am concerned, however, that the warning that the MoD intends to add to its literature does not go far enough and will not be added to existing publications. Furthermore, while the posting on the MoD website is appropriate, I cannot imagine that many women will take the time to read it. Therefore, I think the time has come to apply additional pressure. Dr. Jacobson has drafted the following letter that we hope can be used as a model for PeanutAllergy.com subscribers who wish to write to the MoD:
Dr. Jennifer L. Howse
President
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Dear Dr. Howse,
As the parent of a child who is sensitive to peanuts, I am astonished that the March of Dimes would encourage pregnant and lactating women to consume more folic acid by eating peanuts. Research indicates that eating peanuts while breastfeeding and possibly while pregnant increases the risk that a child will be sensitive to peanuts.
Your promotional materials do not even indicate that women (and, in the case of pregnant women, their spouse) who have food allergies should make a special effort not to eat peanuts, whether or not they are sensitive to peanuts. Research indicates that eating peanuts while breastfeeding and possibly while pregnant increases the risk that a child will be sensitive to peanuts.
Moreover, it is very troubling that you would even cite peanuts as a source of folic acid, inasmuch as that many other foods, from bread to spinach, are much better sources of that important vitamin. I can only assume that the $2.5 million that the National Peanut Board gave to the March of Dimes distorted your priorities.
Sincerely,
_______________________________
cc: Murray L. Campbell
Chairman
National Peanut Board
900 Circle 75 Parkway
Suite 1220
Atlanta, GA 30339
Congressman/woman ______________
Senator __________________
[This message has been edited by margaret (edited July 19, 2001).]