What Are Long-term Effects Of Using Caffeine?

Caffeine is the invisible drug in society, enjoyed by millions in beverages such as coffee, tea and energy drinks. Unlike most psychoactive drugs, it is completely deregulated. Surprisingly little research has looked into the long-term effects of caffeine. Preliminary research suggests, however, that moderate caffeine use over time is safe. The fine print is more complex, however. For some people, long-term caffeine use can cause health problems, while for others it might offer protection against certain health complications.

The Lure of Caffeine

Many people drink caffeinated beverages every day to get a boost in energy and alertness. Research suggests, however, that for regular caffeine consumers, this effect is actually an illusion. When taken everyday, caffeine's effects are actually "bringing you back from caffeine withdrawal-induced, low-level alertness," says Peter Rogers, a psychology professor at the University of Bristol in England and co-author of the 2010 Neuropsychopharmocology article, "Coffee's Jolt---Just an Illusion?" For many, mild caffeine addiction is the way to start the day, year after year. The question remains if moderate use of caffeine over the lifespan is healthy, or causing more troubles than it solves.

Long-term Psychological Effects

For infrequent users of caffeine, increased alertness and anxiety are common. This effect may be minimal for most frequent users due to tolerance and desensitization. Some long-term caffeine users, however, may experience increased anxiety over time, due to caffeine's effect of increasing perceived psychological stress, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center. Caffeine exaggerates the stress response and, over time, this psychological state could lead to unhealthy choices and a reduced quality of life. James D. Lane, Ph.D., associate research professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke, suggests that individuals who feel "stressed out" take a break from caffeine to see if their condition improves.

Long-term Physical Effects

Stress also has long-term physical effects on the body, including increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Lifelong caffeine use, therefore, could negatively affect those who are predisposed to high blood pressure. Also, daily use of caffeine exceeding 300mg is not suggested for women of reproductive age, according to a 2003 literature review of major caffeine studies published in the journal "Food Additives and Contaminents."

Potential for Disease Prevention

On the other hand, some researchers suggest caffeine may play a role in preventing some diseases. According to the "Harvard Women's Health Watch," moderate use of caffeine may reduce the risk of type II diabetes, gallstones, colon cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Weighing the Costs

All evidence in the safety of long-term use of caffeine points towards avoiding excessive use. Consuming more than 100mg a day of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of coffee, opens the door to the addiction and withdrawal cycle. More than 200mg a day invites anxiety and possible long-term health risks, according to the John Hopkins Medical Center's resource on caffeine dependence.