CAFFEINE
On this page:
- What is caffeine?
- How caffeine affects the body
- Side effects
- Effects of quitting
- Caffeine during pregnancy
- Caffeine contents
- Further information
What is caffeine? Caffeine is a plant product that is most commonly found in coffee beans, tea, soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate. Caffeine is also found in some prescription and non-prescription drugs, including cold, allergy and pain relievers.
How caffeine affects the body: Caffeine acts as a stimulant by exerting an effect on the central nervous system. The effects of caffeine on the body may begin as early as 15 minutes after ingesting and last up to six hours.
When consumed in moderate doses (up to 250 mg, or about two 6-oz cups of coffee or about four 12-oz colas), caffeine can help people more alert and less sleepy. Most individuals consuming moderate amounts will experience few, if any, negative side effects.
Caffeine may increase heart rate, body temperature, blood flow to the skin & extremities, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, stomach acid secretion and production of urine (diuretic). People may experience dizziness, hypoglycemia, fruit-like breath odor, troubled breathing, muscle tremors, nausea, diarrhea, increased urine, ketones in urine,drowsiness, thirst, anxiety, confusion, irritability, insomnia, changes in appetite, dry mouth, blurred vision, and cold seats.
Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee will not help someone who is intoxicated become sober.
Side effects: While consuming moderate amounts of caffeine does not seem to have long-term detrimental effects, consuming larger amounts of caffeine (1000 mg or about ten 6-oz cups of coffee a day) on a regular basis may be linked to conception problems, increased episodes of heartburn, and changes in bowel habits.
Too much caffeine may lead to sleep deprivation and a tendency to disregard the normal warning signals that the body is tired and needs rest. Caffeine does not replenish energy or prevent emotional fatigue; food and sleep are the only remedies for these. When normal sleeping patterns are continually disrupted, mood depression may occur. Too much caffeine may also lead to anxiety-related feelings such as excessive nervousness, sweating and tremors.
People who take medications for depression, anxiety or insomnia, high blood pressure, other heart problems, chronic stomach upset or kidney disease should avoid caffeine until discussing the matter with a clinician.
If you want to avoid some of the annoying side effects of caffeinated beverages (e.g., jitters or sleeplessness), switching to decaffeinated drinks may help.
Effects of quitting: People who stop drinking caffeinated drinks may notice several side effects, especially if they are used to consuming large amounts of caffeine. Some symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, irritability, nervousness, nausea, constipation and muscular tension. These symptoms usually appear about 12-24 hours after someone has stopped consuming caffeine and usually last about one week. It is recommended that you gradually decrease your caffeine intake to
avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine during pregnancy: Some studies show an association between high doses of caffeine and an increased rate of miscarriages, premature deliveries or low birth weights. However, complicating factors such as smoking and alcohol use
were not accounted for in these studies. In high doses, caffeine can affect fetal breathing and heart rate.
If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, consider your options (e.g. eliminating caffeine or limiting intake to 200-300 mg per day). Discuss these
options with your clinician.
| Chocolate: | Average: |
|
Cocoa beverage (6 oz)
|
4 mg |
| Chocolate flavored syrup (2 tbs) | 5 mg |
| Chocolate milk (8 oz) | 8 mg |
| Milk chocolate (1 oz) | 7 mg |
| Semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz) | 18 mg |
| Unsweetened chocolate (1 oz) | 25 mg |
| Coffee:* | |
| Brewed (6 oz) | 100 mg |
| Instant (1 rounded tsp) | 57 mg |
| Brewed decaffeinated (6 oz cup) | 3 mg |
| Instant decaffeinated (1 rounded tsp) | 2 mg |
| Cappuccino (4 oz) | 100 mg |
| Espresso (2 oz) | 100 mg |
| Latte (single) | 50 mg |
| Mocha (single) | 55 mg |
| Other Beverages (12-oz servings): | |
| Coca-Cola, Diet Coke | 46 mg |
| Dr. Pepper (regular & sugar-free) | 40 mg |
| Mello Yello | 52 mg |
| Mountain Dew | 54 mg |
| Pepsi-Cola, Diet Pepsi | 38 mg |
| Red Bull (8.2 oz) | 80 mg |
| 5-Hour Energy | 138 mg |
| Monster Energy | 160 mg |
| Tea (5-oz cup): | |
| Brewed, green or black, U.S. brands (3 minutes) | 40 mg |
| Brewed, imported brands | 60 mg |
| Instant (1 tsp) | 30 mg |
| Iced (8 oz) | 25 mg |
| Decaffeinated | 5 mg |
| Non-Prescription Drugs:** | |
| Caffeine Tablets: | |
| No-Doz | 100 mg |
| Vivarin | 200 mg |
| Pain Relievers (per tablet): | |
| Anacin | 32 mg |
| Excedrin | 65 mg |
| Midol (maximum strength) | 60 mg |
*Caffeine content of coffee varies depending on type of bean, quantity used, how finely beans are ground and brewing time.
**Not all non-prescription drugs are included. Read labels carefully!
For additional info on caffeine content in food and beverages see EnergyFiend.Com.
University Health Service offers nutrition consultation. See Nutrition Clinic or call 734-763-3760.
See also the Medline Plus article on caffeine in the diet.
