Posted on

Energy Drink Consumption Before Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of Gestational Hypertension, Study Finds

New Research Highlights Potential Risks Associated with Energy Drink Use in Reproductive-Aged Individuals

A recent cohort study involving 7,304 pregnancies has revealed a concerning association between energy drink consumption before pregnancy and an elevated risk of gestational hypertension, according to findings from the Nurses’ Health Study 3 (NHS3) and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS). The study, conducted between June 1, 2010, and September 27, 2021, investigated the impact of energy drink intake on various adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), including pregnancy loss, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and a composite of adverse outcomes.

Key Findings:

  • Gestational Hypertension Risk: Participants who reported consuming energy drinks before pregnancy faced a 60% higher risk of gestational hypertension, a condition associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.
  • No Association with Other APOs: While gestational hypertension showed a significant association, no links were found between energy drink intake and other adverse outcomes, including pregnancy loss, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or the composite APO.

Study Details:

  • Participants: The study included 7,304 pregnancies from 4,736 participants in NHS3 and 4,559 pregnancies from 4,559 participants in GUTS.
  • Low Prevalence of Energy Drink Consumption: Energy drink consumption was relatively low in both cohorts, with 14% of GUTS participants and 9% of NHS3 participants reporting any intake of energy drinks.
  • Age Interaction: Age was identified as a modifying factor, with stronger associations between energy drink use and hypertensive disorders among older participants.

Caution in Interpretation: The study emphasizes caution in interpreting the results due to the low prevalence of energy drink intake and the need for replication in future studies. Additionally, the divergence in findings between the two study populations underscores the complexity of factors influencing outcomes.

Safety Concerns and Reproductive Health: Energy drinks, popular among young adults, have raised safety concerns in recent years. The study’s focus on reproductive-aged individuals highlights the importance of understanding potential health risks associated with energy drink consumption, especially in the context of pregnancy.

Note: The results of the study suggest a need for further research and consideration of caution regarding energy drink consumption in reproductive-aged individuals.

Credit: JAMA Network Open