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    Caffeine 'increases miscarriage risk'

    Posted on 21/01/2008

    A high daily caffeine intake can raise the risk of miscarriage, according to a US study.

    Research by healthcare organisation Kaiser Permanente showed that women who consumed more than 200mg of caffeine a day had twice the risk of miscarriage of those who avoided caffeine altogether.

    The researchers say that just two cups of regular coffee could contain a 200mg dose of caffeine, but that even women consuming less than this suffered an elevated risk of miscarriage.

    The study of 1,063 pregnant women found that those who avoided caffeine had a 12% risk of miscarriage. In those who consumed some caffeine – either in coffee or other caffeinated drinks – this risk rose to 15%. In women consuming a daily dose of 200mg or above the risk was found to be 25%.

    Kaiser Permanente says that, while previous studies had established a link between caffeine and miscarriage, its work is the first to control for morning sickness, which causes many women to avoid coffee and other caffeine-rich drinks.

    In 2003, a study funded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) began to examine the effects of caffeine in 2,500 pregnancies.

    'This is almost complete and the results will be presented to the Committee On Toxicity in closed session for consideration,' an FSA spokesperson told BBC News.

    'We will ask the committee to also look at this new American study. When the committee has reached conclusions the agency will, if appropriate, revise its advice on caffeine consumption in pregnancy.'



    Category: Healthy Lifestyle


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