Green Tea May Increase Incidence of Birth Defects

Pregnancy News Flash

-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health Educator

A recent study in Cancer Research reported that a compound in green tea called EGCG can stop the growth of cancer cells by inactivating an enzyme in the cancer cell called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). However this enzyme DHFR is also necessary for folic acid utilization. If DHFR is inactivated by the EGCG found in green tea, the fetus will not be receiving the full benefits of folic acid-the key nutrient in the prevention of neural tube birth defects.

BabyFit Tip: Pregnant women should be cautious about green tea. Avoid supplements that contain EGCG in any amount, and use green tea in moderation--no more than 2 cups daily.

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Member Comments About this Article

	"The Healthy Beverage Guidelines may help." -- TANYA_BABYFIT

	"I am a hevey green tea drinker 6 or more cups a day, I just found out I was pregnant after trying, I am a little nervous. What tea would be the best as I am not a coffee drinker at all!" -- SOLO911

	"Green tea can protect against some cancers, women hoping to become pregnant should choose a different drink. Roger Thorneley at the John Innes Centre near Norwich, UK, and his colleagues at the University of Murcia in Spain have discovered why regular green tea drinkers have a low incidence of gastric and oesophageal cancers - and why some studies suggest it increases the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida. The researchers found that the anti-cancer compound in green tea, epigalloc..." -- JIMMYWALES123

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About The Author

Nicole Nichols
Nicole earned her bachelor's degree in health promotion and education, specializing in exercise and fitness, from the University of Cincinnati. She maintains several fitness certifications, including prenatal and postpartum exercise design.