Maternal Coffee Consumption during Pregnancy and Risk of Allergic Diseases in Children: The Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study

Abstract

Objectives: The effects of maternal coffee consumption during pregnancy on childhood allergic diseases (ADs) remain insufficiently established. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal coffee consumption during pregnancy and the risk of ADs in offspring up to 36 months of age. Methods: We analyzed data from 3,252 mother–child pairs enrolled in the Korean Children’s Environmental health Study (Ko-CHENS). Maternal coffee and caffeine intake were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Childhood ADs were identified based on caregiver reports of physician diagnoses. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results: Overall, two-thirds (67.5%) of children were reported to have at least one AD, with cumulative incidences at 36 months of age of 47.8% for atopic dermatitis, 23.9% for food allergy, 30.2% for allergic rhinitis, and 2.4% for asthma. Compared with no coffee intake, maternal coffee consumption of <1 serving/day was associated with a reduced risk of atopic dermatitis (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.99, p = 0.045) and food allergy (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–1.00, p = 0.061). Higher intake (≥1 serving/day) was significantly associated with a lower risk of food allergy (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88, p = 0.009). No significant associations were observed for asthma or allergic rhinitis. Conclusions: Mild maternal coffee intake during pregnancy may be associated with a reduced risk of specific ADs in early childhood. ⓒ 2026 The Korean Society of Medical Informatics.