In June 2019 researchers from Ireland published the results of their study to assess the association between maternal, paternal and grandparent caffeine intake and risk of obesity in offspring. A total of 558 mother-child pairs were included in the study. The mothers had an average age of 31 years and an average pre-pregnancy BMI of 24. Information on caffeine intake was assessed from relevant food items in a food frequency questionnaire which had been completed during early pregnancy. Children’s BMI and waist circumference were measured at 5-years and at 9-years. Results showed that maternal caffeine intake was associated with a higher offspring BMI at both years 5 and 9 and a higher risk of offspring obesity. The influence was stronger for coffee caffeine than tea caffeine. No consistent associations were observed for paternal and grandparent caffeine intake.
Chen LW et al. Maternal, but not paternal or grandparental, caffeine intake is associated with childhood obesity and adiposity: The Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Jun 1;109(6):1648-1655