Holistic Health

The new finding suggests that expecting mothers should avoid any form of caffeine

by suggesting that regular coffee is not safe during pregnancy .

Dr Jack James , a professor at Reykjavik University ’ s Department of Psychology , assessed two decades ’ worth of observational studies and meta-analyses that looked at the relationship between coffee consumption and negative pregnancy outcomes , such as miscarriage , stillbirth , preterm birth , childhood acute leukaemia , obesity , and low birth weight .

Out of the 1,261 articles considered , 42 separate findings were reported in 37 observational studies . Of these , 32 suggested that caffeine significantly increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes , with 10 others showing no or inconclusive associations . Caffeine-related risk was reported with moderate to high levels of consistency for all pregnancy outcomes except preterm birth .

However , Dr James acknowledged that the work was observational and could not prove definitively that any caffeine during pregnancy was harmful . Nevertheless , he maintained that there was no “ safedose ” of coffee for pregnant women and concluded : “ We need to change the advice women are given and do it soon .”

Doctors typically advise patients who are expecting that they do not need to stop drinking coffee or tea during pregnancy , but they should still limit consumption to 1-2 normal cups per day .

Britain ’ s National Health Service recommends consuming 200mg or less caffeine a day , while the European Food Safety Authority and the American and UK Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend limiting , but not eliminating , coffee consumption during pregnancy .

Malaysian fertility specialist Dr Tan Chong Seong of Alpha IVF and Women ’ s Specialists told Global Health Asia-Pacific that it was important to recognise that coffee blends had differing levels of caffeine .

“ The usual guidance is two cups , but as coffee comes in different strengths , normally I would advise a cup a day to be safe ,” Dr Tan said . “ We give the same advice to women who are trying to get pregnant .”

Some experts have taken the study , published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine , to task , calling into question the validity of its findings .

“ The author ’ s conclusion that all pregnant women and women contemplating pregnancy should avoid caffeine is overly alarmist and inconsistent with the evidence ,” Dr Luke Grzeskowiak , a research fellow at Adelaide University ’ s Robinson Research Institute said in a statement .

“ This report actually provides no new evidence on the topic , instead providing just one individual ’ s different perspective on existing evidence . It is true that previous studies have not confirmed a safe limit of caffeine intake during pregnancy , but this is very different to concluding that all levels of caffeine intake are harmful .”

His colleague at the institute , Dr Michael Davies , added that the findings were “ potentially alarmist as the study extrapolates beyond available data .”

However , Melanie McGrice , a practicing dietitian and founding member of the Early Life Nutrition Coalition , added that the research had led her to change her advice on caffeine intake and encourage pregnant mothers to avoid it .

“ Instead of coffee for energy , I recommend checking iron levels , ensuring adequate water consumption , getting plenty of sleep and ensuring small , regular meals including low GI carbohydrates ,” she said .

Doctors typically advise patients who are expecting that they do not need to stop drinking coffee or tea during pregnancy , but they should still limit consumption to 1-2 normal cups per day

18 NOVEMBER 2020 GlobalHealthAndTravel . com