Caffeine: Uses, Side Effects, & Recommended Amount

by Raksha Hegde last updated -

If you have had coffee, tea, chocolate, or aerated sodas, chances are that you have consumed a natural neuro-stimulant called caffeine. While a moderate caffeine intake does not cause health risks, a regular high dosage can be addictive and can cause health problems like insomnia and acidity, among others.

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a plant-based stimulant that is present in coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, guarana berries, and cacao pods. In its purest form, it is a white powder with a bitter taste. Chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, caffeine is also used in sports drinks, weight loss supplements. Studies have shown that a high amount can improve physical endurance levels and boost metabolism, but researchers recommend that it should only be used for special situations like military operations. [1] [2]

Caffeine is perhaps the most widely used psychostimulant drug in the world. A study published in the Journal of Caffeine Research reveals that more than 90 percent of adults in the US use caffeine regularly, with an average consumption of about 200 mg in a day. That’s about two 6-ounce cups of coffee. [3]

According to The International Food Information Council Foundation, an espresso may have a high amount of caffeine, with 1-ounce having anywhere between 45-75 milligrams. An 8-ounce energy drink can have a maximum of 127 milligrams of caffeine. A regular 8-ounce cappuccino can have 65-80 milligrams of caffeine. [4]

Extreme close-up of coffee beans with a small white cup

Wake up and smell the coffee! Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Uses & Benefits of Caffeine

Let us look at the most important uses and health benefits of caffeine, which have been verified by research studies.

Improves Alertness

Caffeine blocks adenosine, a natural inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes sleep. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that because adenosine is inhibited, the brain functions on a higher level of cognition, learning, memory, and alertness. This is why you feel alert when you drink a cup of tea or coffee. Research studies are being conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of caffeine on brain dysfunction and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia. [5]

Speeds Up Weight Loss

Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said that the thermic effect of the meal was significantly higher in people who had coffee than with people who had the decaffeinated version. Furthermore, fat oxidation was more in the people who drank coffee. [6]

Enhances Physical Performance

Athletes frequently use caffeine and caffeinated drinks as an ergogenic aid. According to the International Journal of Sports Medicine, caffeine helps increase muscle contraction and improve endurance levels. Also, during prolonged intense activity, it helps enhance physical performance. [7]

May Reduce Cardiovascular Risks

Several reports have shown drinking tea or coffee, the two most popular beverages in the world may reduce cardiovascular risks. A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology suggested that habitual moderate coffee drinking was positively linked with a lower risk of heart problems in women. Other studies reveal that drinking green tea and coffee in limited amounts can lower the risk of stroke. [8] [9]

Other benefits

Prescription and non-prescription drugs that contain caffeine help cure headaches and migraines and they are approved by the FDA.

Side Effects

Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause the following side effects:

  • Anxiety: Caffeine can kick-start the release of adrenalin in the body when ingested. Too much of it can make the person restless and anxious. It should be avoided by people with psychiatric problems as it is found to increase hostility symptoms. [10] [11]
  • Insomnia: It can affect total hours of sleep as well as the quality of sleep. Caffeine can stay in the system for one and a half hours to almost nine hours, depending on the individual. So it is best to avoid caffeinated products a few hours before bed. [12]
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Excessive intake can cause ulcers, GERD, acidity, and diarrhea. [13]
  • Hypertension & arrhythmia: Highly caffeinated energy drinks are popular among people who want to increase their endurance levels but it can cause arrhythmias, hypertension, and dehydration. In rare cases, it can cause rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers are damaged and they may enter the bloodstream. [14]
  • Overactive bladder: Drinking tea or coffee causes you to urinate more often. A study conducted on people over 60 years of age showed that an intake of more than 300 mg of caffeine caused an overactive bladder problem in half the group. [15]
  • Addiction: Caffeine withdrawal syndrome is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and its addictive qualities are well documented. If you are used to drinking many cups of coffee or colas, you can suffer from sharp, blinding headaches, tremors, and anxiety if you cut back on it suddenly. [16]

Recommended Caffeine Intake

To avoid forming a caffeine addiction, it is best to take in small amounts during the day. According to the US FDA, 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine can be safely consumed by most individuals. However, it is best avoided by children below 12, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding. While this is a guideline, it is best to know that the accompaniments in these common beverages like cream, sugar, and other chemicals may be harmful to the body. If you think you are having too many caffeinated drinks, try substituting them with decaf versions, herbal beverages, or unsweetened fruit juices. [17]

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About the Author

Raksha Hegde is the content director at Organic Facts and helps oversee a team of brilliant, dynamic content writers. She completed her MS in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, US. A former business news journalist and editor, Raksha followed her passion for wellness to become a certified Yoga teacher and a wellness festival curator. She believes that learning is a life-long process; she did a certificate e-course on “Introduction to Food and Health” in 2019 from Stanford University, US. 

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