From the Guidelines
It's generally recommended to limit or avoid Arizona green tea with ginseng during pregnancy. This beverage contains caffeine (from the green tea) and ginseng, both of which raise concerns during pregnancy. According to a recent study 1, while the caffeine content in brewed tea is lower than coffee (around 15–50 mg/8 oz), pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg daily, as excessive amounts may increase risks of miscarriage and low birth weight. More importantly, ginseng is not recommended during pregnancy as there's insufficient research on its safety, and some studies suggest it could potentially affect fetal development.
Key considerations for pregnant women include:
- Limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg daily, as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority 1
- Avoiding ginseng due to insufficient research on its safety during pregnancy
- Limiting sugar intake, as Arizona tea contains high amounts of sugar (around 17g per 8oz), to avoid excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes
- Choosing safer alternatives for hydration, such as water, milk, decaffeinated herbal teas known to be pregnancy-safe (like rooibos or peppermint), or occasional small amounts of regular green tea without ginseng. If you've been regularly consuming this beverage, don't panic, but consider switching to safer alternatives and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
From the Research
Safety of Arizona Tea with Ginseng during Pregnancy
- The safety of consuming Arizona tea with ginseng during pregnancy is a concern due to the potential risks associated with herbal remedies 2.
- Ginseng, in particular, has been studied for its safety during pregnancy, and while some evidence suggests it may not be associated with adverse effects, it should still be consumed with caution, especially during the first trimester 3.
- A study on the safety evaluation of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines, including ginseng, during pregnancy in mice found adverse effects on maternal and fetal health, highlighting the need for caution when using herbal medicines during pregnancy 4.
- Herbal medicines, including those containing ginseng, should be used with special caution during pregnancy, as they can affect fetal development and may have teratogenic effects 5, 6.
- It is essential for pregnant women to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming any herbal remedies, including Arizona tea with ginseng, to discuss potential risks and benefits.
- The lack of regulation and standardization of herbal products, including Arizona tea, adds to the uncertainty surrounding their safety during pregnancy 2, 6.