Assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women

Abstract

Studies on the effects of caffeine on health, while numerous, have produced inconsistent results. One of the most uncertain and controversial effects is on pregnancy outcome. Studies have produced conflicting results due to a number of methodological variations. The major challenge is the accurate assessment of caffeine intake. The aim of the present study was to explore different methods of assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women. Twenty-four healthy pregnant women from the UK city of Leeds completed both a detailed questionnaire, the caffeine assessment tool (CAT) designed specifically to assess caffeine intake and a prospective 3 d food and drink diary. The women also provided nine saliva samples over two consecutive days for estimation of caffeine and a metabolite (paraxanthine). Caffeine intakes from the CAT and diary showed adequate agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient of 0·5). For saliva caffeine and paraxanthine measures, the between-sample variation (within the same woman) was greater than between-woman and between-day variation. However, there was still adequate agreement between these measures and the CAT. The CAT is a valuable tool that is now being used in a large prospective study investigating caffeine's role in pregnancy outcome.

Caffeine intake during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis

“…In humans, studies have reached mixed conclusions, in part because of difficulties measuring caffeine intake, but also because of other clinical influences on fetal growth and birth outcomes [4][5][6]. Only one randomised controlled trial of caffeine reduction during pregnancy has been conducted to date, concluding that "moderate reductions" in caffeine intake (of around 200mg) do not substantially alter birthweight or length of gestation [7].…”

Níveis plasmáticos de cafeína no cordão umbilical e apneia da prematuridade

“…5 It was shown in the USA that, among women in the third trimester of pregnancy who reported low consumption of caffeine, mean serum level of this substance in umbilical blood was 0.48 µg/mL (ranging between 0 and 10.49 µg/mL), and women who reported consumption ≥ 300 mg/day of caffeine in the third trimester of pregnancy had neonates with mean serum level of caffeine in umbilical cord blood of 2.1 µg/mL. 6 We obtained a similar result, indicating a high consumption of caffeine by the mothers of our studied population.…”

“…As caffeine is a substance that crosses the Serum levels of caffeine in umbilical cord and apnea of prematurity Cláudia Regina Hentges, 1 Renata Rostirola Guedes, 1 Rita C. Silveira, 2 Renato S. Procianoy 2 placental barrier, it could have an intrauterine stimulation of the fetus's respiratory center. [4][5][6] Caffeine is probably the most frequently drug taken in the world, consumed by people of all ages. Daily caffeine consumption per capita, considering all sources, is around 3-7 mg/kg/day, approximately 200 mg/day in the general population.…”

Does Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy Play a Role in the Association Found Between Maternal Caffeine Intake and Fetal Growth Restriction?

“…Brand names, portion sizes, methods of preparation, and quantity and frequency of intake were recorded for different gestational periods so that precise caffeine intakes could be estimated using an in-house program [29]. Each CAT also collected details of potential confounders like smoking and alcohol intake.…”