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ryans mom - I have a weblink to an article written by the Peanut Board, which refers to the funding they've given to the March of Dimes to promote peanut consumption. They've also given a (smaller) donation to Tanox, which is researching a peanut allergy vaccine.

[email]Chris@PeanutAllergy.com[/email] has dealt with this promotion back in 1999, I believe. I recall reading another article stating that the March of Dimes would continue to promote peanut consumption for pregnant women, because evidence that peanut consumption by pregnant women causes an allergy in the fetus is inconclusive (their wording, not mine).

Here is the link: [url="http://www.aboutpeanuts.com/fall2000pg8.htm"]http://www.aboutpeanuts.com/fall2000pg8.htm[/url]

[This message has been edited by Cayley's Mom (edited January 15, 2001).]

I just wanted to add - thanks for posting this! I knew the March of Dimes was going to go ahead with their promotion, but I wasn't aware of how broad it was going to be.

Just some facts on Folic Acid.

Adequate intake of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of birth defects, including spina bifida. Recommended daily dose is between 400 mcg (.4mg) and 1.0 mg.

A serving of peanuts contains just 30-59 mcg so, in my opinion, omitting this source wouldn't have drastic consequences. You can get more folic acid from romaine lettuce! (60-99 mcg) If the March of Dimes wants to prevent birth defects (very admirable goal) they should donate funds to make folic acid available in a pill form to every pregnant woman.

It is VERY difficult to get the recommended daily amount through diet alone. Also, woman should take folic acid supplements throughout their childbearing years, because often a woman will realize she's pregnant, and THEN start taking supplements. By this time, it's too late to prevent spina bifida, which occurs extremely early in the development of the fetus (often before a woman has even missed her period the first time).

Thanks again for posting - the March of Dimes should definitely stop promoting peanuts. The small amount of folic acid they provide, in my opinion, does not compensate for the risk of developing peanut allergy. Carolyn

[This message has been edited by Cayley's Mom (edited January 15, 2001).]

Cayley's Mom -

You've got a very strong, well-presented argument. Have you thought about forwarding it to the March of Dimes, too?

Jackie

Ok, now I'm totally confused about why the March of Dimes is even promoting peanut consumption as a source of folic acid!

Jackie - thanks for your comments. I looked up the March of Dimes website to send them an email, and they are promoting synthetic versions of folic acid all over the site!

They even have studies posted, which state that synthetic versions of folic acid are better absorbed than natural versions. Lots of food contain folic acid, but it is their "bioavailability" to the body that is important. A woman can eat .4 mg of folic acid per day, but her body may only absorb .13 mg, far below the recommended daily dose to prevent neural tube defects.

So why are they promoting peanuts?!! They already know vitamins work better than food! What's going on??!!! Maybe I better send that email after all...

Also, just FYI - some women have trouble absorbing folic acid in any form, natural or otherwise. They are advised to take higher than the recommended daily dose - normal dose is .4 mg to 1.0 mg per day - these women may be prescribed 1.0 mg to 5.0 mg per day. DO NOT take these amounts unless recommended by your doctor (just trying to explain why some women have babies with spina bifida, even after taking supplementary folic acid). Carolyn

Well, I sent the email. Here it is:

Hello. I have a question regarding the promotion of peanuts for consumption by pregnant women. As you are no doubt aware, some doctors feel this practice increases the risk of peanut allergy in the fetus. Since you have studies posted on your website, touting the use of folic acid in supplement form (since dietary folic acid may not be as well absorbed) then my question is: why promote peanuts? Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response. I am aware that the March of Dimes has consulted several doctors who say peanut consumption is not proven to conclusively cause peanut allergy. I just think it would seem more prudent to focus on the "steady" amount of folic acid in a supplement, rather than the fluctating levels which may be found in a folate-rich diet.
Sincerely, Carolyn Black

I will post any response I receive. Thank you again, ryan's mom for bringing this to our attention.

Thanks Carley's Mom, Your right that I was involved in talks with the March of Dimes regarding promoting peanuts for pregnant women. I am not pleased to hear of this promotion, another reason we need more of us to contribute (financially) so we can continue to work on all these issues! If you have not already pledged your support for this year please do so now! Here is a link to the "Join now" page which also has a place to let us know how much we can rely on you for this year.

Thanks in advance and hope to hear from you today!
[url="http://www.peanutallergy.com/formpage.htm"]http://www.peanutallergy.com/formpage.htm[/url]

------------------
Stay Safe,

[email]"Chris@PeanutAllergy.Com"[/email]

Well, I have yet to get a response from the March of Dimes. I sent the same email as in my above post to the Ontario March of Dimes (where I live) to see if I get any response.

I'm not sure if the Canadian branch is promoting peanuts or not, but I'll post when I get a response.

I thought I would bring this up to the top since it came up again on a new thread.

Just an update (thanks for bringing the thread up again, Patty). I've sent 2 emails to 2 different addresses and have received no response as yet. Will try again soon and post any response received!

Great letter to the March of Dimes. I think this whole issue illustrates that we are dealing with a large pn growers/product manufacteurers lobby. The latter are probably providing huge amounts of "funding" to the March of Dimes in order to promote their own pn products. As far as I can see this is pure adverstising not medical advice.

On another thread in the Main Discussion board, someone asked whether it was more difficult to be American. This issue illustrates one of the reasons why I think it is more difficult to manage pa in the US.

In the UK pregnant women (with a history of any allergy) are actively DISCOURAGED from eating pn while pregnant. This has been going on for some years yet the AMA has only recently started to admit some concern over prenatal sensitization. In the UK, parnet are advised not to give their very small children pn or pn products. Since US preschool kids and elementary school kids represent a huge market for pn farmer etc, we are unlikely to see changes unless these issues are challenged.

[This message has been edited by EILEEN (edited March 06, 2001).]

I just saw this for the first time and it is making me sick. This is the one thing I can't get over... the amount of PB I ate during pregnancy and nursing ( for 19mo. hoping to avoid allergies!) I can still hear my OB saying to eat it for protein, etc. What is the e-mail for the March of Dimes and does anyone know one for the *@#! peanut board people? I would love to know how to contact both. Thanks.

Becky A - here are the email addresses you requested. I hope you have better luck than I did! All I asked was "Why not recommend folic acid in pill form?". Battling the peanut industry seems just about impossible!

Peanut Board - [email]info@aboutpeanuts.com[/email]

March of Dimes - [email]info@dimes.org[/email]

Good luck! I'll resubmit my email soon, as well.

Just bringing this thread up again - Christine posted about this ad under Living With PA.

Sent my 3rd email today - not holding my breath for a response.