Tea consumption may potentially promote the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) because catechins, the main components of tea polyphenols, can lead to the depletion of bioavailable folate. Many epidemiologic studies have explored the association between tea consumption and NTD risk; however, the findings are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between tea consumption and NTD. We hypothesized that tea consumption during the periconceptional period would significantly promote NTD prevalence. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched from their inception through July 14, 2021. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential confounders. In addition, a dose-response analysis was conducted to examine further the association between tea consumption and NTD. Seven articles with nine studies yielded 2834 cases and 19,924 participants. The results showed that tea consumption during the periconceptional period did not significantly increase NTD prevalence (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.96-1.95; P = .08). This finding was consistent with the evaluation of 3 subtypes of NTDs: anencephaly (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.84-2.20; P = .22), spina bifida (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.84-2.72; P = .17), and encephalocele (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.46-2.15; P = .98). Furthermore, a significant dose-response association between tea consumption and the risk of NTDs was not evident (P > .05). Our meta-analysis suggests that maternal tea consumption during the periconceptional period did not significantly increase the prevalence of NTDs. Further studies are needed to ascertain the association between tea consumption and NTD prevalence.
Keywords: Meta-analysis; Neural tube defects; Periconceptional period; Systematic review; Tea consumption.
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