Association Between Serum Folate Levels and Caffeinated Beverage Consumption in Pregnant Women in Chiba: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the adverse effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy on fetal health. However, the effects of caffeine intake from green and oolong teas has not been investigated, despite the considerable consumption of these teas in Japan and the potential inhibitory effects of catechins—chemicals present at relatively high levels in green and oolong teas—on folic acid absorption. The potential associations of serum folate levels with caffeinated beverage consumption and catechin levels remain largely unstudied. The present study aimed to determine these associations in pregnant Japanese women. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 2,701) not receiving folate supplementation were enrolled at the Chiba Unit Center, a regional site of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). Serum folate levels were measured using an Access folate assay kit, and nutrient and caffeine intakes were assessed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire that was previously evaluated in Japanese populations. RESULTS: The low and normal serum folate groups reported caffeine intakes of 42.3 mg/1,000 kcal and 34.4 mg/1,000 kcal, respectively, and tannin intakes of 40.8 mg/1,000 kcal and 36.3 mg/1,000 kcal, respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed negative associations of serum folate levels with caffeine and tannin intakes and a positive association between serum folate levels and dietary folate intake. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the negative associations of caffeine and tannin levels with serum folate levels, pregnant women should consume caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and green/oolong teas, with caution.