So I've noticed that quite a number of people on this board drink Green Tea till O...to help with CM production.
So I've been doing a bit of reasearch on that and I've read quite a bit of information on how Green Tea (as well as extracts from black tea) inhibits the absorption of folate (folic acid), iron, and other nutrients due to the tannins in the tea, leaving the baby vulnerable to tubal defects.
Researchers don't know how much green tea it takes to cause the problem with folate absorption (a few cups or a whole lot more). I found one recommendation from a woman's health specialist to not drink green tea when TTC. I found another Dr. that said that 1-2 cups probably wouldn't decrease absorption, especially if drunk between meals, and folic acid levels should be ok if the diet is rich in folic acid with supplemental folic acid.
I take my PNV and an additional folic acid vitamin (among others) in the mornings (usually before 6 am) while I'm getting ready for work. I really want to try to increase our chances this cycle. How much do you ladies think is really safe? And when do you think is a safe time to drink it?
Re: Green Tea (a little long)
I doubt one cup a day will hurt. To be safe, just take your vitamins with breakfast (which is what I do) and drink a cup of tea later, say 10-11 am.
I stop my green tea when I ovulate. I don't think that this is inhibiting pregnancy, IMO. Unless you drink it ALL day long or something, you know?
DS born via unplanned C-section at 40w6d
BFP#1 5.27.10 DS became an angel at 21 weeks on 9.22.10
BFP#2 4.16.11 Healthy baby girl born 12.14.11
BFP#3 9.3.12 A healthy, bouncing baby SISTER on the way! EDD 5.12.13
I think as long as you take your PNV 3-4 hours before or after you have your green tea, it shouldn't affect absorption. I have my green tea in the morning (2 cups) and take my PNV before bed.
You're probably reading recommendations not to drink green tea while TTC because most people don't chart. If you chart, you know when you O, so you can drink it CD1 until O.
I think 2 cups or less would be fine - there's really no reason to drink more than that. Also, is there a reason you're taking a PNV and extra folic acid? Don't most PNVs have enough folic acid already? No judgments, just wondering!
BFP 12/10/10 - DD1 8/16/11
BFP 10/29/13 - c/p 11/2/13
BFP 11/29/13 - DD2 7/18/14
BFP 3/20/18 - DS1 due 12/2/18
I just figured extra couldn't hurt anything...perhaps I don't need it.
I'm no expert, but I don't think you need anything more than 800mcg, unless recommended by your doctor. Extra can't hurt...you just pee it out...but it could be a waste of money!
BFP 12/10/10 - DD1 8/16/11
BFP 10/29/13 - c/p 11/2/13
BFP 11/29/13 - DD2 7/18/14
BFP 3/20/18 - DS1 due 12/2/18