Large Review of Caffeine Intake Concludes: It’s Okay…
The IFIC has published a large review of caffeine research. It’s conclusion:
Moderate intake of 300 mg/day (about three cups of coffee per day) of caffeine does not cause adverse health effects in healthy adults, although some groups, including those with hypertension and the elderly, may be more vulnerable. Also, regular consumers of coffee and other caffeinated beverages may experience some undesirable, but mild, short-lived symptoms if they stop consuming caffeine, particularly if the cessation is abrupt. However, there is little evidence of health risks of caffeine consumption.
The report has lots of fascinating insights:
On Addiction and Dependence
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-IV, 1994), there is currently not enough evidence to show that caffeine “dependence” is associated with a significant clinical disorder. However, DSM IV does provide a diagnosis of caffeine intoxication that may occur with consumption in excess of 250 mg, in more sensitive subpopulations.
Symptoms may include excitement, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, diuresis, or gastrointestinal disturbance. Other symptoms of restlessness may occur if consumption exceeds 1,000 mg/day. [FDLJ, 2006]
You can see the original PDF here.
I think it’s time that some local politicians stopped chasing after caffeine and spent more time attending to the scourge of alcohol and drug abuse - both of which do lead to powerful addictions that often result in family and societal breakdown.
Many things can cause problems if they are overused. Even food. Eat too much - you get fat and maybe you get diabetes. Should we ban food? Some kids get carried away with too many energy drinks and learn some consequences. That’s life.
11 Comments
I agree 100% but unfortunately some don’t understand moderation. As they say, “one bad apple spoils the bunch”
Hey, don’t talk about my drugs that way. It’s not all scourge and gloom! Caffeine is one of many chemicals that can be a part of our lives in a healthy way if not abused.
Yes. We should ban food. The obesity epidemic would end in about a month. Come to think of it, that would also help with global warming and overpopulation. Well, it would take care of “population” altogether…
i lol’d at the ban food comment.
Haha! I knew my daily caffeine intake isn;t wnough to kill a human…maybe a baby…or a dog.
“Some kids get carried away with too many energy drinks and learn some consequences.”
I hear that. Why are kids using energy drinks anyway? The only caffeinated drink I had until I was 17 or so was maybe a soda or two a day.
The thing with everything you put into your body is moderation. An energy drink every day is probably not the way to go, what with the unknown long term effects of some of the things in many that are not caffeine. Unhealthy food, unhealthy drinks, and unhealthy drugs can, for the most part, be enjoyed in small amounts every once in awhile without a detrimental effect. Bad things happen if you can’t get through your day without a particular substance, whether it be Spike Shooter, a BK Quad Stacker, or a syringe full of heroin.
“Why are kids using energy drinks anyway? The only caffeinated drink I had until I was 17 or so was maybe a soda or two a day.”
In my opinion, the legal buzz. Heck in highschool my friend’s and I would chew up some caffeine pills, wash it down with some Jolt, and then go out for a cup of coffee.
Also a lot of energy drinks just taste good and many kids drink soda frequently. To be frank, isn’t that exactly what and energy drink is?
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Caffeine boosts your metabolism, mental focus, athletic performance, and keeps you awake!
What’s not to like?!
Caffeine is GOOD. Except this one time where I had 500mg inside of half an hour, and several cigarettes, not counting the “Energy Blend” of the Spike Shotgun. That was interesting.
[…] Science once again proves moderation is the key […]