A new study shows that one dose of caffeine -- just two cups of coffee -- ingested during pregnancy may be enough to affect fetal heart development and reduce heart function over the entire lifespan of the child.
In addition, the researchers also found that this minimal amount of exposure can lead to higher body fat among males. Although the study was in mice, the biological cause and effect described in the research paper likely applies to humans as well.
Researchers studied pregnant mice for 48 hours. Mice given caffeine produced embryos with a thinner layer of tissue separating some of the heart's chambers.
The researchers then examined the mice born from these groups to determine the long-term effects on the offspring. All of the adult males exposed to caffeine as fetuses had an increase in body fat of about 20 percent, and decrease in cardiac function of 35 percent.
Sources:
Eurekalert December 16, 2008
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Does this mean chocolate is out, too?!
I love you guys (Susan & Kristin)---these were my first thoughts with this study, too!
I love coffee ("just" drink one cup in the morning), and was told time-and-time again by my doctors that small doses of caffeine--in just two cups of coffee, soda--were not harmful. I understand that this is a new study, but do find it frustrating that pregnant women must not only give up their body, mind and soul for 9 months, that we must worry about every little thing in our environment.
What about men's sperm? I wonder if caffeine (and other substances) potentially harm the sperm (probably not, since they "regenerate" not sure if this is the proper term, or lessens the sperm count?
And, as Kristin humorously/slyly mentioned...is it dangerous for breastfeeding women to ingest caffeine, too?
I know many people (men & women) reading this may be thinking that "it's only 9 months; it shouldn't be that difficult!" Anyone with those thoughts: I challenge you to change a loved behavior for just 3-6 months and see how difficult it is.
Wow--I sound defensive about this! Thanks, Coach Virginia for sharing this study. It is important to know; just frustrating to know.
January 11, 2009 - 8:00amThis Comment
Yeah, you caught me ... I've been known to be sly. Couldn't help get in a little dig there.
So I think that what it comes down to is that we parents just can't win -- there's always going to be something we're going to feel guilty over. Just this morning I let my 7-yr-old eat leftover pizza for breakfast instead of a much healthier alternative because I didn't feel like arguing with her. My bad. And then I gave her a big cup of coffee to wash it down. (Just kidding!)
January 11, 2009 - 1:42pmThis Comment
Hmmm..... sounds like breastfeeding moms shouldn't ingest caffeine either. If they're addicted to their daily coffee, maybe formula would be a better alternative.....
January 10, 2009 - 10:32pmThis Comment