Several studies have shown that excessive daily caffeine intake by women may increase the time it takes for them to conceive. Various dietary sources and even medications can contribute to daily caffeine intake. The threshold at which caffeine has been shown to have a negative effect on infertility is variable. Women who already have concerns about lowered fertility may benefit the most from limiting caffeine consumption.
U.S. Caffeine Study
Doctors C.K. Stanton and R.H. Gray surveyed almost 1,500 women who were actively trying to conceive regarding their caffeine consumption habits. Their study results published in the December 1995 "Journal of American Epidemiology" showed that women who consumed more than 300mg of caffeine per day took longer to become pregnant than women who consumed less caffeine.
European Caffeine Study
The European Study Group on Infertility and Subfecundity published a larger study looking at over 3,000 women from five European countries and the effect of caffeine consumption on the time to conceive. Their results, published in the February 1997 "Journal of American Epidemiology," also concluded that excessive caffeine consumption was associated with increased time to conceive. However, in the European study, the threshold for decreased fertility was reached when caffeine consumption exceeded 500mg caffeine per day. In women with the highest levels of caffeine consumption, time to conceive was increased by 11 percent compared to women who did not use caffeine.
Sources of Caffeine
According to the American Pregnancy Association website, your favorite foods, drinks and medications may may contain surprising amounts of caffeine. For instance, a 16-oz. cup of Starbucks Grande Coffee contains 400mg of caffeine compared to the house blend, which contains 259mg of caffeine. A 12-oz. Dr. Pepper contains 37mg caffeine compared to 124mg caffeine contained in 32-oz. of 7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke. Six ounces of green or black tea contains less than 50mg caffeine. One ounce of Baker's chocolate contains 26mg caffeine. Excedrin, a headache medication, contains 65mg per capsule. Caffeine from various sources can easily add up to a daily intake that exceeds 300mg caffeine.
Mechanism of Caffeine Effect
According to Resolve, the infertility patient support and advocacy group, some studies in monkeys suggest that caffeine may negatively affect egg quality by preventing eggs from maturing normally so they are not able to be fertilized. Women who already have problems conceiving may benefit the most from avoiding caffeine because negative factors can be additive for causing infertility.
References
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Effects of caffeine consumption on delayed conception.; CK Stanton, RH Gray; December 1995
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Caffeine intake and delayed conception: a European multicenter study on infertility and subfecundity. European Study Group on Infertility Subfecundity; F Bolumar, et al.; December 1997
- American Pregnancy Association; What's the Real Scoop on Caffeine During Pregnancy; Marcy 2011
- Resolve; Caffeine: Does it Affect Your Fertility and Pregnancy?; Samuel A. Pauli, M.D. and Donna R. Session, M.D.; 2009
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