Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Its popularity has surged due to its vibrant color and purported health benefits. Unlike traditional steeped teas, the entire tea leaf is consumed, resulting in a higher concentration of active compounds. Concerns have emerged regarding whether this increased potency could negatively affect reproductive health and fertility. This article evaluates the scientific evidence surrounding matcha’s two main bioactive components to determine if moderate consumption poses a risk to those trying to conceive.
Key Components of Matcha Relevant to Reproductive Health
Matcha contains two primary constituents relevant to conception: caffeine and the polyphenols known as catechins. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, and its concentration in matcha is generally higher than in steeped green tea. A standard serving contains approximately 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, though this amount varies based on preparation and grade.
The most abundant catechin is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant responsible for many of green tea’s health effects. Since matcha uses shade-grown leaves and the whole leaf is consumed, its EGCG content is substantially higher than regular green tea, often providing 100 to 220 milligrams per serving.
Caffeine Intake and Fertility Outcomes
The most quantifiable risk factor associated with matcha consumption is its caffeine content. High daily intake of caffeine, regardless of the source, has been linked to delayed conception and a prolonged time to achieve pregnancy in observational studies. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with the hormonal regulation necessary for a regular ovulatory cycle.
Furthermore, consuming large amounts of caffeine is associated with risks during early pregnancy, including a slightly higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Health organizations recommend limiting total daily caffeine intake for both men and women trying to conceive. The established precautionary limit is less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. Exceeding this threshold increases reproductive health risks related to matcha or any caffeinated beverage.
Evaluating the Role of EGCG and Catechins
The unique composition of matcha means its high concentration of EGCG and other catechins must be evaluated separately from caffeine. These polyphenols are potent antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, which is beneficial for both sperm and egg quality. Studies suggest that EGCG may support male fertility by enhancing sperm function and reducing DNA damage in reproductive cells. Moderate intake of EGCG may even help protect germ cells and oocytes from damage, leading to a preventive effect against certain causes of infertility.
However, concerns about high doses of catechins center on two potential mechanisms: nutrient interference and hormonal disruption. The catechins in matcha can decrease the absorption of non-heme iron, an important nutrient for reproductive-aged women. Separately, extremely high doses of EGCG, often found in concentrated green tea extracts or supplements, have been shown to interfere with the metabolism of folate, a B-vitamin vital for early fetal development. These negative effects are typically only observed at very high, non-dietary consumption levels, such as EGCG doses exceeding 800 milligrams daily.
Scientific Consensus and Safe Consumption Levels
The current scientific consensus is that moderate matcha consumption does not cause infertility and may offer antioxidant benefits that support reproductive health. Risks arise only when the total daily intake of its active compounds becomes excessive. The primary guideline remains adherence to the recommended daily caffeine limit of 200 milligrams.
Since a typical cup of matcha contains between 30 and 70 milligrams of caffeine, this limit translates to about two to three standard cups per day. Consuming more than this amount exceeds the safe caffeine threshold, increasing associated reproductive risks. As long as overall caffeine intake is monitored and consumption is kept moderate, the high concentration of beneficial catechins poses no known threat to fertility.