Can mothers consume caffeine? The issue of early life exposure and metabolic changes in offspring

Caffeine is a substance with central and metabolic effects. Although it is recommended that its use be limited during pregnancy, many women continue to consume caffeine. Direct and indirect actions of caffeine in fetuses and newborns promote adaptive changes, according to the Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD) concept. In fact, epidemiological and experimental evidence reveals the impact of early caffeine exposure. Here, we reviewed these findings with an emphasis on experimental models with rodents. The similarity of human and rodent caffeine metabolism allows the comprehension of molecular mechanisms affected by prenatal caffeine exposure. Maternal caffeine intake affects the body weight and endocrine system of offspring at birth and has long-term effects on the endocrine system, liver function, glucose and lipid metabolism, the cardiac system, the reproductive system, and behavior. Interestingly, some of these effects are sex dependent. Thus, the dose of caffeine considered safe for pregnant women may not be adequate for the prenatal period.