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December 31 2000
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Caffeine May Up Miscarriage Risk

 

Caffeine intake may be related to early miscarriages, according to a team of Swedish and US researchers.

  • Researchers compared 562 women who had had early miscarriages (between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy) to a "control" group of 953 women who were also pregnant but did not have miscarriages
  • Study participants were asked during interviews about their caffeine intake from sources such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and medications
  • Among nonsmoking women, more miscarriages occurred in those who drank 100 milligrams of caffeine or more per day than in those who ingested less
  • A high daily intake of caffeine (500 milligrams or more) was associated with a doubled risk of miscarriage in nonsmokers

"Of all caffeine ingested, coffee accounted for 76%, tea for 23% and other sources for 1%," the report indicates.

The researchers do note that other components of the caffeine containing sources, such as coffee, that may be related to miscarriage, independent of any caffeine effect.

The researchers conclude, "reducing caffeine intake during early pregnancy may be prudent."

The New England Journal of Medicine, December 21, 2000;343:1839-1845



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. One does not need to be a doctor to know that coffee is not the best drink for you. However, I firmly believe it is less harmful than most other things that people drink, like regular soda, diet sodas, juices and Gatorade-type products.

Also, since coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, there are likely also plenty of toxic pesticide residues that cause adverse health effects. Tea may have some pesticide residues as well, and there are also reports of high fluoride contents of some teas.

However, it is clearly best to have clean water as your primary beverage. Coffee is an ABSOLUTE restriction during pregnancy, which this recent study highlights very nicely.

If one is making the transition to a healthier diet, then it would be reasonable to make removing the coffee as one of the last things you do (unless you are pregnant of course).

Another option, whether you are trying to be healthier or you are pregnant, would be to find a pure, caffeine-free tea. It is wise, especially if you are pregnant, to do your research on this and find a tea that is not high in fluoride.

If you are unable to easily confirm this, we do have green and black tea extracts in our store that are free of fluoride, heavy metals and caffeine.

Also, keep in mind that removing the sugars and grains in our diets will produce far more benefits than stopping coffee for most of us.

Caffeine Content of Various Beverages and Medications:

Beverages

  • Drip Coffee - 60-180 mg. per 8 oz.
  • Perc Coffee - 40-170 mg. per 8 oz.
  • Instant Coffee - 30-120 mg. per 8 oz.
  • Tea - 30-70 mg. per 8 oz.
  • Green Tea - 14 mg. per 8 oz.
  • Coca-Cola - 45 mg. per 12 oz.

Medications with Caffeine

  • Excedrin - 130 mg. per dose
  • Midol - 64 mg. per dose
  • Anacin - 64 mg. per dose
  • Dristan - 30 mg. per dose
  • Cold Relief Medicine - 0-30 mg. per dose

Related Articles:

The Truth About Caffeine (Especially During Pregnancy)

Electric Blankets Increase Miscarriage Risk

Miscarriage Rates Excesive Among Working Flight Attendants

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