CAN PREGNANT WOMEN CONSUME BITTER KOLA?

Garcinia kola (bitter kola, a name sometimes also used for G. afzelii) is a specie of flowering plant in the Clusiaceae or Guttiferae family.

Bitter Kola (bitter cola) is used widely in Nigeria and many West African countries as part of traditional hospitality, cultural, and social ceremonies. It is also used to make medicine.

The bitter kola is a potent stimulant used in Nigerian folk medicine as a treatment for 

*colds, 

*coughs, 

*throat infections 

*nusea and other ailments.

Chemical composition of bitter kola

1) caffeine - from 2.5 to 3.5%. 

2) Akaloid: Colatin (0.5%), Theobromine (0.1%), Theophylline. 

3) Others: tannins, catechin, epicatechin, flobafen, glycosides, cellulose, starch, protein, fiber, vegetable oils, etc.

4) Energy value: proteins (7.9%), fat (0.1%), carbohydrates (5.2%).

Colatin, Caffeine, and Theobromine are the components that produces the bitter effects of bitter kola, whilst the stimulant effect of bitter kola is produced by Caffeine (which stimulates the central nervous system) and  Theobromine  (which stimulates the heart).

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY CAFFEINE LIMITS

Daily caffeine limit as recommended by the UK’s NHS is 200mg of caffeine. 

Note that;

*1 large American mug of instant coffee =100mg of caffeine.

*1 bitter Kola nut > 200mg of caffeine.

It is therefore not advisable to consume bitter kola especially during early pregnancy.

WHAT IS THE FATAL DOSE OF CAFFEINE.

The fatal dose is estimated to be about 10-14 grams; that’s 150-200 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.

BITTER KOLA EFFECT IN PREGNANCY. 

Caffeine, a major component of bitter kola has effects on the child in the womb as proven by animal studies.

1) it affects the child's sleeping rhythm,

2) it affects the chid's movements in the womb.

3) it can cause low birth weight , 

4) it can cause premature labour/ miscarriage.

5) it can cause birth defects making the child to struggle with development

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF BITTER KOLA

so many people had the erroneous believe that bitter kola is with no side effect.

Everything including bitter kola should  be consumed in moderation. 

When bitter koa is used medicinally in larger amounts or for a long period of time, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE

Excessive consumption of bitter kola can lead to...

Nervous system disorders viz; tremor, anxiety, insomnia.

Anxiety disorder: might make anxiety disorder worse.

Bleeding disorders: Bitter kola contains caffeine, which might make bleeding disorders worse.

Heart conditions: Caffeine in bitter kola might cause irregular heartbeat in certain people. 

Diabetes:  might worsen diabetes.

Diarrhea: Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.

Glaucoma: The caffeine in bitter kola might increase pressure inside the eye.

High blood pressure: The caffeine in bitter kola might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Bitter kola contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea and might worsen symptoms of IBS.

Weak bones (osteoporosis): The caffeine in bitter kola might increase the amount of calcium that is flushed out in the urine. If you have osteoporosis or low bone density, caffeine should be limited to less than 300 mg per day (approximately 2-3 cups of coffee). It’s also a good idea to get extra calcium to make up for the amount that may be lost in the urine. Older women with an inherited disorder that affects the way vitamin D is used should use caffeine with caution. Vitamin D works with calcium to build bones.

Surgery: Bitter kola might affect blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using cola nut at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.