Can You Drink Kombucha When Pregnant?

Fermented tea may offer some benefits, but it might not be safe during pregnancy.

Reviewed by Hannah Whittaker, RD Hannah Whittaker Hannah WhittakerRD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Pregnancy & Pediatric DietExperience: 7 years
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Kombucha During Pregnancy

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Can you drink kombucha when pregnant? If you are an expecting mom looking for an answer, reading the following post will help. Consumption of kombucha during pregnancy has been a semi-controversial topic. The increasing interest in kombucha has made it an ideal specimen for extensive research. Kombucha is a fermented beverage with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It is widely available in the market under various brand names and also can be made at home. Through fermentation, it acquires a cocktail of good bacteria and yeast, which is reported to aid overall good health (1). Read further and learn more about its benefits and safety during pregnancy.

In This Article

Can You Drink Kombucha When Pregnant?

Kombucha contains alcohol and caffeine.

Image: Shutterstock

Using kombucha during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it contains alcohol and caffeine, which may adversely affect your prenatal health. Also, kombucha prepared in unclean surroundings may be a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms, such as Aspergillus (2). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even in minute quantities, can adversely affect the fetus’s health. It is associated with brain development and facial structure issues (3).

Does Kombucha Have Any Side Effects On Pregnant Women?

Kombucha during pregnancy may affect you adversely.

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Over the past few years, there have been cases where adverse effects of kombucha consumption have been observed. Some of the side effects are listed below:

  1. Hepatic dysfunction: A study reports that kombucha consumption was shown to cause liver damage and renal failure (4).
  1. Metabolic acidosisiAccumulation of acid in the body due to kidney failure : Kombucha consumption has been linked to lactic acidosis, where the lactate content in the body is elevated (5).
  1. Anthrax infections: Anthrax Bacillus has been found in kombucha tea fermented in unclean conditions. Consumption of such beverages may cause side effects to the mother and fetus (6).
  1. Gastrointestinal problems: People with gastric sensitivity showed allergic reactions to kombucha. Other side effects of kombucha on digestive health that have been reported include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and headache (7).
  1. Toxicity: Regular use of kombucha brewed in ceramic containers has caused severe lead toxicity (8).
  1. Caffeine overdose: Depending on the tea, the caffeine content in kombucha can vary. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause adverse effects in pregnancy as it passes the placental barriers (9). Keeping an account of all the caffeine-containing products consumed daily can help prevent exceeding the recommended daily dosage.
  1. Alcohol overdose: Kombucha is a fermented product that contains alcohol, which you should not consider during pregnancy (10). As per federal law,  commercially available kombucha should be labeled alcoholic if the alcohol content is more than 0.5% by volume (11). According to an FDA investigation, the alcohol content in kombucha may range from 0.7 to 1.3% (2).

What Are The General Benefits Of Kombucha?

Kombucha is one of the natural remedies believed to potentially treat health conditions such as cancer, liver disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, and acne.

There is a dearth of scientific evidence backing these claims. Most studies conducted are on animal models, and the effect on the human body is unknown. Possible health benefits of kombucha are listed below:

  1. Anti-carcinogenic: A study showed that kombucha could assist in boosting anti-cancer properties when combined with chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (12) (13).
  1. Antioxidant: It was noticed that biodegradation during fermentation released smaller molecules with higher antioxidant potential. An increase in antioxidant potential with a higher time of kombucha fermentation was observed (14). Heat-treated kombucha fermented tea showed decreased antioxidant activities (15).These antioxidants may support the immune system and improve certain immune responses.
  1. Anti-diabetic: The anti-diabetic potential of snake fruit kombucha was studied in diabetic rats. Rats administered with kombucha showed a decreased fasting plasma glucose content compared to the control group (16). Kombucha, through microbiota intervention, has demonstrated hypoglycemiciA condition characterized by low levels of sugar in the blood mechanisms and may be used for the treatment of diabetes (17) (18).
  1. Anti-inflammatory: Kombucha was administered to sepsis-inducediInduced by a severe reaction of the body to an infection mice, and anti-inflammatory compounds were produced through gut microbiota. Hence, kombucha may be used for treating sepsis-associated systemic inflammation (19).
  1. HypocholesterolemiciA condition in which total cholesterol (TC) level and low-density cholesterol (LDL) are extremely low : Traditional kombucha tea and modified kombucha tea have shown the potential to reduce cholesterol and may be used for treating obesity (20). In another study, administering butterfly pea flower kombucha to mice on a high-fat diet has shown the potential to decrease metabolic disorders (21).
  1. Antimicrobial: A study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial properties of kombucha against different pathogens. Kombucha demonstrated an inhibitory effect against several pathogenic microorganisms (22). Another study showed the antibacterial and antifungal potential of green and black kombucha tea fermented using a traditional kombucha culture (23).

protip_icon Research finds
Studies on animals show that kombucha consumption may protect the liver and reduce gastric issues (24) (25).

How To Include Kombucha In Your Diet?

Kombucha is made from sweetened tea.

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Kombucha is prepared by adding a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) into sweet tea. It is then allowed to ferment for a few days (26). Commercially available kombucha may be consumed directly from the bottle or mixed with other foods, such as salad dressing. Follow the instructions given on the product packaging before using it.


protip_icon Quick fact
If the kombucha is left to ferment for more than ten days, it starts tasting like vinegar (27).

What Precautions Should You Take When Using Kombucha During Pregnancy?

Follow precautions when using kombucha.

Image: Shutterstock

  • Store in glass containers

If the kombucha is prepared at home, use glass containers to prepare and store the tea, as it would help prevent leakage of toxic elements into the beverage.

  • Use sterilized utensils

Using clean and sterilized utensils may help prevent contamination.

  • Ensure high-quality product

Since kombucha comes under probiotics, its production is not regulated. However, take care when selecting a commercially available brand.

What Are Some Safe And Healthy Kombucha Alternatives For Pregnant Women?

Other probiotic foods may be used instead of kombucha.

Image: Shutterstock

There are several probiotic-rich alternatives to kombucha. Yogurt, pickles, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, tempeh, and sourdough bread are alternatives you can prefer during pregnancy (28). The consumption of these pregnancy-safe probiotics during pregnancy can provide you with various micronutrients, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I consume kombucha while trying to conceive?

Since kombucha is rich in probiotics and antioxidants, in addition to being good for gut health, it may also aid fertility (13). There are no scientific studies that suggest the effect of kombucha on the fertility of human beings. You may discuss it with your doctor before consuming the drink.

2. Can kombucha cause fetal alcohol syndrome?

Maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (3). As kombucha contains alcohol, consumption may cause adverse effects.

3. Can Kombucha help with digestion during pregnancy?

While some people believe that kombucha aids in improving digestive health, there is limited scientific information about its effects during pregnancy. Thus it is crucial to speak to your doctor before consuming this drink (29).

Kombucha is a fermented functional beverage that may have certain health benefits. But since it’s an unpasteurized product, can you drink kombucha when pregnant? Kombucha consumption is not recommended during pregnancy, as evidence stating its safety in humans is limited. Many reports have surfaced where kombucha consumption has been associated with adverse outcomes. Despite being globally consumed, the lack of scientific authentication makes the safety aspects of kombucha during pregnancy questionable.

Infographics: Safe And Healthy Kombucha Alternatives For Pregnant Women

Even though kombucha cannot be an ideal supplement and source of good bacteria, there are other sources from which you may derive your daily dose of probiotics and nutrients. Look at the infographic below to know the foods you can use as an alternative to kombucha.

probiotic rich kombucha alternatives (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Kombucha is a fermented drink produced commercially or domestically at home.
  • It is widely believed that kombucha has many health benefits; however, they are not clinically proven.
  • Kombucha consumption during pregnancy may harm fetal and maternal health.

Illustration: Can You Drink Kombucha When Pregnant?

Kombucha pregnancy_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Mindani I. Watawana et al (2015) Health Wellness and Safety Aspects of the Consumption of Kombucha
    https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2015/591869/
  2. Unexplained Severe Illness Possibly Associated with Consumption of Kombucha Tea — Iowa 1995
    https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00039742.htm
  3. Kenneth Lyons Jones (2011) The effects of alcohol on fetal development
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bdrc.20200
  4. Alison SungHee Kole et al. (2009) A Case of Kombucha Tea Toxicity
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0885066609332963
  5. Ailsa Holbourn et al (2017) Kombucha is a cup of tea good for you?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5747697/
  6. Rasu Jayabalan et al (2014) A Review on Kombucha Tea-Microbiology Composition Fermentation Beneficial Effects Toxicity and Tea Fungus
    https://www.academia.edu/28688808/A_Review_on_Kombucha_Tea_Microbiology_Composition_Fermentation_Beneficial_Effects_Toxicity_and_Tea_Fungus
  7. Radhika Srinivasan et al (2002) Probable Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Kombucha Tea
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1997.07127.x
  8. Tri Giang Phan et al (1998) Lead poisoning from drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1998.tb123448.x
  9. Jongeun Rhee et al (2015) Maternal Caffeine Consumption during Pregnancy and Risk of Low Birth Weight A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0132334
  10. Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
    https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html
  11. Kombucha
    https://www.ttb.gov/kombucha
  12. Latifeh Rasouli et al (2021) Evaluation of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of kombucha and doxorubicin combination therapy on colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641728/
  13. Silvia AlejandraVillarreal-Soto et al (2019) Impact of fermentation conditions on the production of bioactive compounds with anticancer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in kombucha tea extracts
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359511318316416
  14. Rania F.Ahmed et al (2020) Biological chemical and antioxidant activities of different types Kombucha
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S057017832030018X
  15. Elok Zubaidah et al (2018) Anti-diabetes activity of Kombucha prepared from different snake fruit cultivars
    https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/NFS-07-2018-0201/full/html
  16. Suyun Xu et al (2022) Kombucha Reduces Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes of Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites
    https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/5/754
  17. Thummala Srihari et al (2013) Antihyperglycaemic efficacy of kombucha in streptozotocin-induced rats
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464613001928
  18. Penghui Wang et al (2021) Kombucha ameliorates LPS-induced sepsis in a mouse model
    https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/fo/d1fo01839f/unauth
  19. Zhi-Wei Yang et al (2008) Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of kombucha tea in high-cholesterol fed mice
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.3422
  20. Happy Kurnia Permatasari et al (2022) Modulation of gut microbiota and markers of metabolic syndrome in mice on cholesterol and fat enriched diet by butterfly pea flower kombucha https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927122001228
  21. Guttapadu Sreeramulu et al(2000) Kombucha Fermentation and Its Antimicrobial Activity
    https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf991333m
  22. Houda Battikh et al (2012) Antibacterial And Antifungal Activities Of Black And Green Kombucha Teas
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-4514.2011.00629.x
  23. Yong Wang et al (2014) Hepatoprotective effects of kombucha tea identification of functional strains and quantification of functional components
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23716136/
  24. Debashish Banerjee et al (2010) Comparative healing property of kombucha tea and black tea against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in mice: possible mechanism of action
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21776478/
  25. Raquel Macedo Dantas Coelho et al (2020) Kombucha: Review
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878450X20301499
  26. Peyton Bishop et al (2022) Kombucha: Biochemical and microbiological impacts on the chemical and flavor profile
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X22000144
  27. How to get more probiotics
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-get-more-probiotics
  28. Gut Health
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
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Hannah Whittaker
Hannah WhittakerRD
Hannah is a pregnancy and pediatric dietitian with seven years of experience. She specializes in milk allergy and vegan pregnancy. She has been working with women and children for nearly 20 years, the last seven years as a registered dietitian.

Read full bio of Hannah Whittaker
Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Lorraine Teron
Lorraine TeronMSc
Lorraine is a postgraduate in Life Science from Mount Carmel College and previously worked as a freelance scientific illustrator. As a project associate and lab technician at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lorraine received valuable insights into Covid-19, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

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