Caffeine is the most extensively consumed stimulant drug in the world and is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, medications and chocolate. A modest amount of caffeine is not toxic. However, consuming more than 250 mg of caffeine per day may cause toxicity, resulting in headaches, fatigue, difficulty with concentration and decreased motivation.
Caffeine in Food and Beverages
Naturally occurring caffeine may be found in plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts and cacao pods. The most widely consumed food products in the United States containing caffeine include coffee, tea, soda and chocolate products. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 80 percent of American adults consume 200 mg of caffeine per day, which equals two 5 oz. cups of brewed coffee or four sodas. Studies concluded by the John Hopkins University indicate that 200 mg or more of caffeine per day may be toxic to your body, increasing anxiety and inducing panic attacks.
Caffeine as a Stimulant
Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant used as an additive to treat fatigue, drowsiness and improve pain relievers. It is present in over-the-counter alertness-promoting medications, menstrual aids, analgesics and diet aids. Caffeine may also be found in prescription medications, energy drinks and herbal remedies. In 1989, the FDA restricted the amount of caffeine used in over-the-counter drugs and products to 200 mg per dose, lessening the affect of acute caffeine toxicity. However, people with heart conditions should limit their use of caffeine to avoid heart palpitations and general anxiety.
Symptoms of Caffeine Toxicity
According to "Caffeine Toxicity," by David Yew, M.D., featured in Medscape, average amounts of caffeine, 85 mg to 250 mg, or one to three cups of coffee per day, may provide alertness and decreased fatigue. However, high doses of caffeine, 250 mg to 500 mg, may be toxic to your body and cause restlessness, nervousness, insomnia and tremors. According to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, signs and symptoms of caffeine toxicity may include gradual, diffused, throbbing or severe headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty with concentration and decreased motivation. You may also experience irritability, depression, anxiety, flu-like symptoms and impairment of cognitive performance.
Recommended Amounts
It may be difficult to estimate the amount of caffeine consumed daily due to the many beverages and foods containing caffeine. Therefore, it is important to learn how much caffeine is in your foods and slowly reduce your intake to lessen the effects of toxicity. According to the FDA, studies suggest that modest amounts of caffeine are not toxic to your body. So, 100 mg to 200 mg of caffeine per day, or two 5 oz. cups of coffee is safe to consume. However, doctors suggest that some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and should therefore limit their amounts.
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