Research progress on the effects of prenatal caffeine exposure  on children's growth and development

WEI Yumeng; YANG Fan

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0148

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (3) : 303-307. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0148

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Research progress on the effects of prenatal caffeine exposure on children's growth and development

WEI Yumeng, YANG Fan

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Abstract

Prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) refers to the consumption of caffeine-rich substances including tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate, and certain caffeine-containing cold and pain medications during pregnancy. Current epidemiological and animal studies have revealed that even a safe dose of caffeine during pregnancy might lead to adverse effects on offspring. Improper PCE, considered an adverse environmental factor during early development, might correlate with an elevated risk of various diseases in both childhood and adulthood. Studies suggest an association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of offspring overweight/obesity, as well as cognitive and behavioral developmental disorders, although this association remains debated. This article reviews the impact of PCE on the long-term growth and development of children, and summarizes the potential mechanisms, offering clinical insights into the etiology of childhood overweight, obesity, and cognitive and behavioral developmental disorders.

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prenatal caffeine exposure / overweight and obesity / cognitive and behavioral development / children

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WEI Yumeng, YANG Fan. Research progress on the effects of prenatal caffeine exposure on children's growth and development[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(3): 303-307 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0148

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