Approximately 1% of the caffeine ingested by the mother enters the infant’s bloodstream. One hour after coffee consumption, the concentration of caffeine in breast milk reaches its peak. Therefore, it is more advisable to enjoy coffee following breastfeeding.
In the child, the cytochrome P450 system, which is involved in the metabolization (metabolization) of caffeine, is not yet fully developed in the first months of life. Caffeine therefore lingers longer in the infant’s organism (up to > 90 hours). If the infant is given a lot of caffeine due to the mother’s high coffee consumption, it accumulates in the still extremely sensitive body and can cause metabolic disorders. As a result, infants often suffer from sleep disorders, overexcitability, flatulence and other conspicuous behavior patterns. When the child is about six months old, he or she is able to metabolize caffeine appropriately in the liver.
A daily consumption of 200 mg of caffeine (roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee) is considered safe for breastfeeding women by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
Overview of the caffeine content of various stimulants
| Luxury food | Caffeine content [mg] |
| Coffee (150 ml) | 50-150 |
| Espresso (50 ml) | 50-150 |
| Black tea (150 ml) | 30-60 |
| Green tea (150 ml) | 40-70 |
| Cola drink (330 ml) | up to 60 |
| Energy drink (250 ml) | 80 |
| Milk chocolate (100 g) | 20 |
| Semi-sweet chocolate (100 g) | 75 |
For more information on “coffee consumption”, see “stimulants” in the “micronutrient medicine” superordinate topic.