Caffeine Consumption and Risks of Miscarriage
By Stephen R. Lincoln, M.D.
Lately, the news media has highlighted a recent study suggesting caffeine consumption may increase a woman’s chance for miscarriage (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jan 2008). The study reviewed over 1000 women at about 10 weeks gestation about their exposure and amount of caffeine consumed. The study found a 42% increase in miscarriage in women drinking small to moderate amounts (200 mg or less) and a 123% increase for consumption over 200mg compared to women with no caffeine intake. Should patients immediately stop caffeine intake if planning to conceive?
When the article is reviewed carefully, it is found the group with greatest caffeine consumption was also significantly older than those who did not drink caffeine. Clearly advanced reproductive age is a risk factor for miscarriage and this factor may have complicated the findings.
It is always important to consider other recent studies carefully as well as looking back at what previous studies have shown. Another study recently published this year (Epidemiology. 2008;19:55 – 62) reviewed over 2000 women and failed to show any increase risk of miscarriage with up to 500 mg of caffeine a day, and this study received virtually no press. Older studies taken together have not shown a definitive conclusion and most likely moderate caffeine intake (less than 500 mg/day) poses no increased risk. However, high doses (over 500 mg/day) may indeed pose some risks.
Practical advise would be to limit intake to no more than 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day for a total of about 250 mg of caffeine or if possible stop altogether.
How much caffeine is in my drink? Generally speaking:
8 ounces brewed coffee – 130 mg
8 ounces brewed tea – 75 mg
8 ounces of cola – 40 mg
Check the label of products for precise information.
Lately, the news media has highlighted a recent study suggesting caffeine consumption may increase a woman’s chance for miscarriage (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jan 2008). The study reviewed over 1000 women at about 10 weeks gestation about their exposure and amount of caffeine consumed. The study found a 42% increase in miscarriage in women drinking small to moderate amounts (200 mg or less) and a 123% increase for consumption over 200mg compared to women with no caffeine intake. Should patients immediately stop caffeine intake if planning to conceive?
When the article is reviewed carefully, it is found the group with greatest caffeine consumption was also significantly older than those who did not drink caffeine. Clearly advanced reproductive age is a risk factor for miscarriage and this factor may have complicated the findings.
It is always important to consider other recent studies carefully as well as looking back at what previous studies have shown. Another study recently published this year (Epidemiology. 2008;19:55 – 62) reviewed over 2000 women and failed to show any increase risk of miscarriage with up to 500 mg of caffeine a day, and this study received virtually no press. Older studies taken together have not shown a definitive conclusion and most likely moderate caffeine intake (less than 500 mg/day) poses no increased risk. However, high doses (over 500 mg/day) may indeed pose some risks.
Practical advise would be to limit intake to no more than 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day for a total of about 250 mg of caffeine or if possible stop altogether.
How much caffeine is in my drink? Generally speaking:
8 ounces brewed coffee – 130 mg
8 ounces brewed tea – 75 mg
8 ounces of cola – 40 mg
Check the label of products for precise information.
posted by Kathleen, Contributing Editor at
3:02 PM
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