Caffeine is found in many products regularly consumed by the American public, including coffee, tea and chocolate. It's also used as a hidden ingredient in general products such as medications. Caffeine hasn't been linked to any serious health conditions, but excessive amounts can cause adverse reactions, and moderate intake is recommended.
About Caffeine
Caffeine is naturally found in certain plants, such as coffee and tea leaves. Extracted from these plants, caffeine is used as an ingredient in weight-control supplements, over-the-counter cold medications and energy drinks. A stimulant, caffeine helps relieve drowsiness and fatigue. The average American consumes about 250 mg of caffeine per day, reports MedlinePlus, which equates to about three 8-oz. cups of coffee. This is considered a moderate amount of caffeine.
Excessive Caffeine
Consuming a lot of caffeine can cause adverse symptoms that include fast heartbeat, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tremors, excess urination and difficulty sleeping. You can relieve these symptoms by cutting back on caffeine products, but caffeine withdrawal causes similar symptoms, so it's best to reduce caffeine in gradual steps. A range of 500 to 600 mg of caffeine per day is considered excessive, but every person's sensitivity to caffeine varies. Some may experience negative reactions from just a little caffeine, while those who have built up caffeine tolerance experience symptoms less easily. Men are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than are women.
Other Research
Caffeine's effects on more serious health conditions have been widely studied. A 1990 study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found no link between consuming 275 mg of caffeine and altering or worsening heart arrhythmias in patients with pre-existing heart conditions. In the same journal, a 2005 study found no link between regular caffeine consumption and high blood pressure in women. Studies on caffeine's effects on health are ongoing.
Recommendations
Caffeine consumption in moderate amounts is considered safe by most experts, including the American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Be cautious of certain medications, including over-the-counter pain pills and some prescription antibiotics, which can cause excess caffeine to stay in your system, amplifying its effects. Excess amounts should be avoided.
References
- MedlinePlus; Caffeine In the Diet; David C. Dugdale, III; May 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?; March 2011
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Habitual Caffeine Intake and the Risk of Hypertension in Women; Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer, et al.; 2005
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Caffeine and Ventricular Arrhythmias: An Electrophysiological Approach; Linda B. Chelsky, et al.; 1990
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