Caffeine intake and food sources of caffeine and prematurity: a case-control study

Abstract

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is an alkali that easily crosses the placental barrier and can interfere in the growth and development of fetal cells and compromise fetal oxygenation. Considering the widespread consumption of foods containing caffeine in Brazil, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between total caffeine consumption (including its food sources) and prematurity. A case-control study of 140 cases (newborns with gestational age less than 37 weeks) and 162 controls (newborns with 37 weeks gestational age or greater) evaluated caffeine consumption during pregnancy. Intake measurement used a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire based on the following foods: coffee, tea, and powdered chocolate. Total caffeine consumption (including food sources) during pregnancy was not associated with prematurity, and most intakes were less than 300 mg/ day. Caffeine consumption in the present study does not support guidelines against caffeine consumption by Brazilian pregnant women.