The Natural Fertility Community

Has anyone heard of green tea being linked to birth defects? I am currently trying to give up coffee all together and switch to green tea only but was told by a few people that they heard that green tea was linked/causes birth defects. I don't drink a lot of coffee,no more than 2 cups a day but I do want to quit it all together. thanks!
carrie

Hi Carrie,

I found this article by Amazing-Green-Tea.com which states-

Let me assure you, moderate consumption of green tea is safe, even for a pregnant woman. After all, green tea is the second most consumed beverage by humans.

But if you are pregnant, you want to be vigilant to give your baby the best chance, right?

If you are drinking green tea when pregnant, there are two risks to be aware of: neural tube birth defect and caffeine.


To read this article in its entirety click on this link: http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/drinking-green-tea-when-pregnant.html

It is always wise not to consume too much caffeine while you are pregnant.

All the best,

Dalene

You might find this interesting:

"In green tea drinkers EGCG’s antifolate activity would be expected to significantly decrease folic acid levels and minimise the positive effects of folic acid supplements."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/03/15/8440.aspx

Caffeine and Pregnancy A Research Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/jour ... 1&SRETRY=0

From ParentDish.com
"Researchers isolated a compound called EGCG in green tea that increases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Green tea has about five times more EGCG than other teas and decreases rates of certain cancers by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Unfortunately this causes a significant drop in folic acid levels, the supplement pregnant women are given to prevent neural tube defects."

Thanks Dalene & Hethir that was very helpful information!

oh man i tell you i learn something new everyday
i read somewhere that green tea was good for fertility
i have been drinking natural green tea - well its time to switch i guess
i hate water though

I have been drinking 2 cups of green tea a day, even though I dump the first batch to decrease the amount of caffine in each cup, I guess thats no help! What can TTC women can drink instead of green tea, this is a real eye opener for me and something I will not drink going forward since it has negative effects to a growing fetus.

Ann

If you are actively ttc it is fine to drink Green Tea or Conceptions Tea before ovulation.

Now, I read an article that stated that green tea is great for increasing fertile quality CM. It said one cup a day from the start of your period until ovulation. I purchsed an organic decaff green tea, but have not yet started it. Is this article correct?

I was a coffee addict for many many years but I found this great link when reading the PCOS diet. It's called Teeccino and its herbal coffee. Actually no coffee at all and no caffeine either. Its fantastic and its made with herbs, grains, fruits and nuts. Its organic and made to look and taste like coffee. I love it. I think I might have to call them and tell them they need to start paying me b/c I feel like their sales person! I have told everyone I know how great it is. My sister-in-law and her mother have switched and a girl at work too! But yes I do also love the conceptions tea! Take care all, mstross

cowgirlchick- for some reason I am not being notified of these posts so I am so sorry for the late reply. We are working on fixing the problem. Green Tea has been found to increase CM.

mstross- Thank you for letting everyone know! Tecchinno is great.