A small or moderate consumption of caffeine can result in mild diuresis, or an increased production of urine. Researchers at the Center for Human Nutrition in Omaha, Nebraska as well as Loughborough University in the UK have found that caffeinated beverages can be included as part of your daily fluid intake without significant fluid loss.
Mild Effects
Caffeine has long been considered a strong diuretic that could cause dehydration. However, the amount of fluid caused by moderate caffeine consumption results in fluid loss that is not significantly different from that produced by drinking water. Drinking a beverage that contains caffeine allows you to retain up to 84 percent of the drink, while drinking water allows you to retain up to 81 percent, as noted by "The New York Times" writer Anahad O'Connor.
Caffeine Tolerance
A review of scientific studies on the effects of caffeine revealed that consuming two to three cups of coffee or five to eight cups of tea does cause short-term diuresis. Drinking less caffeine does not appear to cause diuresis. However, the diuretic effect with greater consumption diminishes greatly if you drink coffee or tea regularly and develop a tolerance to caffeine, according to researchers R. J. Maughan and J. Griffin at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University.
No Dehydration
Giving male adults a variety of beverages that included coffee, other caffeinated drinks and water did not alter fluid or hydration status of the subjects, according to a study conducted by A.C. Grandjean et al., researchers at the Center for Human Nutrition. The subjects were given water or water and various drinks on five different occasions. Measurements like body weight, urine assays and electrolyte status were taken before and after consumption of the beverages and compared.
Additional Information
Caffeine is also found in other products besides coffee and tea. These include sodas, cocoa and energy drinks, as well as chocolate, various medications, dietary supplements and weight loss products, as noted by registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky. Drinking caffeinated beverages in moderate amounts can contribute to your daily fluid intake and does not result in fluid loss beyond the amount you drink, or poor hydration status.
References
- "The New York Times"; The Claim: Caffeine Causes Dehydration; Anahad O'Connor; March 2008
- "Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics"; Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance; R.J. Maughan and J. Griffin; December 2003
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; The effect of caffeinated, non-caffeinated, caloric and non-caloric beverages on hydration; A.C. Grandjean, et al.; October 2000
- MayoClinic.com; Does caffeine help with weight loss?; Katherine Zeratsky; May 2011
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