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Caffeine & Fertility

Amanda Clark, ( Adv APD) Senior Dietitian, Great Ideas in Nutrition, www.greatideas.net.au

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Safety for Preconception

Research shows inconsistent results in relation to caffeine and fertility.

A recent Danish study found that various caffeine containing drinks may affect fertility differently.

+Coffee had no effect

Tea shortened the time to conception

Softdrinks lengthened the time to conception.

This could be due to other lifestyle factors of tea drinkers vs soft drinkers.

+Cause for concern?

There is no Acceptable Daily Limit for caffeine in Australia

Doses above 200mg/day may contribute to Elevated Blood pressure Anxiety Insomnia Headaches Reduced iron absorption Low birth weight Miscarriage

Less than 200mg per day is recommended for pregnancy, greater than 600mg per day is likely to produce symptoms in most people.

+ Cause for concern?

Many people tolerate doses up to 600mg per day without problems – individual tolerance is affected by regularity of intake, usual dose, body size, health and genetic factors.

+ Coffee and weight gain

As coffee consumption has increased and we have turned to milk based varieties in ever increasing cup sizes, our energy intake has increased along with our caffeine. Today’s Grande has over 4 times the calories of the instant versions of the 1990s.

+Sources - Coffee

Drink Caffeine

1 mug instant coffee 100mg

1 cup brewed coffee 100-350mg

espresso 50-250mg

A recent study of commercially available Australian coffees showed variation in the caffeine content of an espresso from 50mg up to 214mg per serve.

+Sources - Tea

Drink Caffeine

Black tea 40mg

White tea 40mg

Green tea 30mg

Decaffeinated tea 12mg

Herbal tea 0mg

Tea creates calm alertness Caffeine content of tea

Caffeine content is an estimate and varies based on strength. Some herbal teas may be harmful during pregnancy. Check with your obstetrician.

+Sources - Soft Drinks

Drink caffeine

Cola, 600ml bottle 60mg

Energy Drink, 500ml

160mg

Iced Tea,250ml 50mg

Caffeine containing drinks Caffeine Content

+Sources - Chocolate

Food Caffeine

Milk chocolate, 30g

5mg

Dark chocolate, 30g

20mg

Hot cocoa, 250ml 13mg

Chocolate Caffeine Content

+Tolerance & Dependence

Anyone can build up tolerance to caffeine. This means it takes a larger dose to give you the same effects you used to get on a smaller dose

Dependence means that it takes up a lot of your thoughts, emotions and activities.

People who are dependent may experience withdrawal including headaches, tiredness and mood swings.

How does it feel? What are they?

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SummaryThere is no firm evidence that caffeine influences fertility

It is wise to limit caffeine intake during preconception in readiness for pregnancy.

To stay within the limits, limit to 2 cups coffee or 4 cups tea of average strength per day and avoid energy drinks.

For further assistance on Fertility and Food, contact Amanda Clark

Email Amanda Clark

Visit: www.greatideas.net.au or phone 07 5536 6400

Great Ideas in Nutrition, Coolangatta, QLD. Available in person or via Skype.