Objective To investigate the possible role of the maternal diet, particularly vegetarianism and consumption of phytoestrogens, in the origin of hypospadias, which is reported to be increasing in prevalence. Subjects and methods Detailed information was obtained prospectively from mothers, including previous obstetric history, lifestyle and dietary practices, using structured self-completed questionnaires during pregnancy. Previously recognized associations with environmental and parental factors were examined, focusing particularly on the hypothesized hormonal link. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent associations. Results Of 7928 boys born to mothers taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood, 51 hypospadias cases were identi®ed. There were no signi®cant differences in the proportion of hypospadias cases among mothers who smoked, consumed alcohol or for any aspect of their previous reproductive history (including the number of previous pregnancies, number of miscarriages, use of the contraceptive pill, time to conception and age at menarche). Signi®cant differences were detected for some aspects of the maternal diet, i.e. vegetarianism and iron supplementation in the ®rst half of pregnancy. Mothers who were vegetarian in pregnancy had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.99 (95% con®dence interval, CI, 2.10±11.88) of giving birth to a boy with hypospadias, compared with omnivores who did not supplement their diet with iron. Omnivores who supplemented their diet with iron had an adjusted OR of 2.07 (95% CI, 1.00±4.32). The only other statistically signi®cant association for hypospadias was with in¯uenza in the ®rst 3 months of pregnancy (adjusted OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.50±6.78). Conclusion As vegetarians have a greater exposure to phytoestrogens than do omnivores, these results support the possibility that phytoestrogens have a deleterious effect on the developing male reproductive system.

Objectives To examine the relation between pertussis vaccination and the prevalence of wheezing illnesses in young children. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Three former health districts comprising Avon Health Authority.

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CorrespondenceKate North, Conclusion We have identified certain characteristics of mothers who were more likely than others not to follow current recommendations on infant feeding. The educational level of mothers appears to be of major significance in the choices made about the types of drinks given ã Blackwell Science Ltd 2000 J Hum Nutr Dietet, 13, pp. 71]82 71to infants. It may be possible to target information about infant feeding to certain groups of mothers thus improving weaning patterns.

No abstract