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Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Risk of Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review

Natalie C Frayer1, Yeonsoo Kim2

  • 1Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Central Michigan University, 1200 S. Franklin St. Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA.

International Journal of MCH and AIDS
|October 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy, especially at 300 mg/day or more, is linked to an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Lower intakes may pose less risk, but avoidance is advised.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal epidemiology
  • Pediatric health
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Maternal lifestyle factors significantly influence offspring health outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of prenatal exposures like caffeine is crucial for public health.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern with long-term implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the risk of overweight or obesity in offspring.
  • To synthesize evidence from existing cohort studies on this topic.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines across major databases (MedLine, PubMed, CINAHL-Plus, Google Scholar).
  • Inclusion of cohort studies with live singleton births (≥28 weeks gestation) reporting maternal caffeine intake and offspring anthropometric measurements.
  • Inclusion of studies measuring serum paraxanthine as a biomarker for caffeine intake.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies met the inclusion criteria.
  • Caffeine intake between 50 mg and <150 mg/day during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of offspring overweight/obesity.
  • A stronger association was observed with maternal caffeine intake of ≥300 mg/day.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal caffeine consumption, particularly at higher doses (≥300 mg/day), is associated with an elevated risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
  • While the current recommendation of <200 mg/day may offer some protection, complete avoidance of caffeine during pregnancy is suggested.
  • These findings highlight the importance of maternal dietary choices during pregnancy for long-term child health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Caffeine intakeChildhoodObesityOverweightPregnancyPrenatalSerum paraxanthineSystematic review

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