Coca-Cola--the beverage known popularly as "Coke"--contains caffeine, a natural or synthetic food additive that stimulates your central nervous system, keeping you awake and alert. If the amount of Coke you drink per day varies, the amount of caffeine you get from it can be arbitrary. Moderate amounts of caffeine--between 200 to 300 mgs. a day--won't hurt you, says MayoClinic.com. However, drinking too much Coke can give you a bad case of the "caffeine jitters" and other unwanted side effects.
More About Caffeine
Caffeine is found in more than 60 plants, says the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, which includes kola nuts, coffee and cocoa beans and tea leaves. Caffeine can also be produced synthetically. Once you drink a caffeinated beverage such as Coke, the caffeine is absorbed into your body rapidly, after which it travels to your brain. Caffeine doesn't accumulate in your blood, says the NIH, nor do you store it; rather, it passes through your body and is removed when you urinate.
Caffeine in Coke
According to the manufacturer's label, an 8-oz. serving of Coke contains 23 mg. of caffeine. A 12-oz. can of regular or diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero and Coca-Cola Cherry contains 35 mg. of caffeine, while a 24-oz. bottle contains 68 mg. According to MayoClinic.com, Diet Coke and Diet Coke with Lime contain more caffeine, around 47 mg. for a 12-oz. can.
Caffeine in Other Beverages
Coke has less caffeine that similar soft drinks, such as Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. A 12-oz. can of regular or diet Dr. Pepper contains 42 to 44 mg. of caffeine, while a can of diet or regular Pepsi contains 36 to 38 mg. Energy drinks have considerably more caffeine than Coke, according to MayoClinic.com A 16-oz. can of Monster Energy drink contains 160 mg. of caffeine, or 80 mg. per 8-oz. serving. A 8.3-oz. serving of Red Bull contains 76 mg., and an 8-oz. serving of Rock Star contains 80 mg. However, a beverage that contains more caffeine than soft drinks or energy drinks is plain brewed coffee. An 8-oz. cup of coffee can contain anywhere between 95 and 200 mg. of caffeine, depending on the strength of the brew.
Too Much Caffeine
MayoClinic.com classifies caffeine intake of more than 500 to 600 mg. each day as excessive. Drinking too much Coke or another caffeinated beverage can cause tremors, a rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, insomnia and frequent urination, says the NIH. If your daily caffeine consumption keeps you from falling asleep at night, avoid drinking Coke and other caffeinated beverages eight hours before bedtime, advises MayoClinic.com. Also, be aware that caffeine can interact negatively with medications and supplements like antibiotics, theophylline and ephedra.
Cutting Down
If Coke's caffeine is your particular vice, MayoClinic.com advises cutting down on your intake slowly by drinking one less can a day. This allows your body to adapt to lower caffeine levels. Choose caffeine-free Coke beverages, which taste the same as the caffeinated variety, or make caffeine-free herbal teas your drink of choice. Finally, be aware of other ways you may be adding caffeine to your system unknowingly. MayoClinic.com states that nonprescription pain relievers often contain caffeine--as much as 130 mg. per dose.
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