A recent analysis suggests that women who consume energy drinks before pregnancy may face an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as gestational hypertension.
Published online on November 20, 2023, by JAMA Network Open, the Harvard-led study analyzed data from two distinct groups: over 3,000 women (with an average age of 30) enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study 3 (NHS3) and nearly 1,700 women (with an average age of 26) in the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS). Participants reported at least one pregnancy with a single baby between 2011 and 2019. Data from 7,304 pregnancies included information on energy drink consumption before pregnancy, while data from 4,559 pregnancies provided details on energy drink consumption during pregnancy.
Findings revealed that a small percentage of women in both studies reported consuming energy drinks at any time—9% of NHS3 participants and 14% of GUTS participants. However, those who consumed energy drinks before pregnancy demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of developing gestational hypertension compared to non-consumers. Notably, this association was more pronounced among participants aged 28 and older. Interestingly, no significant link was observed between energy drink consumption during pregnancy and gestational hypertension.
It’s important to note that the study’s observational nature limits its ability to establish a causal relationship between pre-pregnancy energy drink consumption and subsequent high blood pressure during pregnancy. While the analysis highlights an association between these factors, further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and confirm causality.
Nonetheless, these findings underscore the potential health implications of pre-pregnancy energy drink consumption, particularly regarding maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals may consider advising women of reproductive age to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthful diet prior to conception.
