Debunking The Myth: Does Green Tea Really Contain Caffeine?
Key Highlights:
Green tea is a popular beverage known for its potential health benefits, which gives vital importance to the query – Does green tea contain caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various tea varieties, including green tea.
The caffeine content in green tea is less compared to other caffeinated beverages such as coffee.
Consuming green tea in moderation has health implications, which include potential benefits and infrequent side effects.
Unravelling the myth around caffeine content in green tea can help consumers make informed decisions about their dietary choices.
Introduction
Does green tea have caffeine? This is the puzzler we’re addressing today. Let’s brush aside misunderstandings and provoke the facts, shall we?
This read will enlighten you on what makes up green tea. We’ll look at its key parts. Also, we’ll discuss how different things affect its caffeine content. Along the way, we’ll stack it up against other caffeinated drinks. Not neglecting the potential effect of caffeine in green tea on our health. Excited? Let’s start!
Did You Know?
Drinking green tea regularly may reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 31%. source: nccih.nih.gov
Approximately 158 million Americans drink tea on any given day. source: nccih.nih.gov
The caffeine content in green tea can vary, but on average, it contains about 20-45 mg per 8-ounce serving. source: NCCIH
Green tea consumption has been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. source: NCCIH
Drinking green tea can lead to a statistically significant decrease in urinary levels of 8-OHdG, a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. source: cancer.gov
Clinical trials have shown that green tea extracts can partially regress oral lesions. source: cancer.gov
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is recognized worldwide for its health perks. How exactly is this famous tea produced?
Understanding the basic components of green tea
Green tea’s unique features come from its elements. It springs from the Camellia Sinensis bush, just like all non-herbal teas. Yet, it only undergoes mild oxidation. This lends it a light hue, delicate taste and health-giving components.
Based on my observations, I suggest you be cautious while consuming green tea in excess. Green tea has many health benefits, but there is a potential risk associated with consuming higher doses. It’s crucial to be aware that the effects of green tea catechins may vary among individuals, and higher consumption of green tea may have acute cytotoxicity on liver cells, which play a vital role in metabolism. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution and keep your green tea intake to a moderate to avoid potential harm to your liver and overall health.
Polyphenols: They are antioxidants and form around 30% of green tea’s dry weight. The main subtype is EGCG, which is thought to have powerful health benefits.
Amino Acids: Green tea contains many of them. The most crucial is L-theanine, linked with boosting mental focus.
Caffeine: Though less than in other beverages, green tea does have caffeine.
How green tea is produced
Here’s what sets green tea apart from other types. The chosen young leaves are quickly heated. The goal? Keep the green colour and halt oxidation. Next, they are rolled, further heated to dry and sorted before packaging.
Types of green tea and their characteristics
Various kinds of green teas exist. They differ by shade, harvest time and processing. Some popular ones include:
Sencha: Sweet and mildly bitter.
Matcha: Powdered green leaves, specially grown, for a unique taste.
Longjing: High quality, named “Dragon Well” tea.
Biluochun: Known for its strong smell and fruity flavour.
Over the years, I have found that the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, such as catechins and flavonoids, can be obtained by drinking freshly brewed green tea. To reap the potential health benefits, it is recommended to consume up to three to four cups of green tea per day.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It’s found in over 60 plant varieties — including tea plants. It keeps tiredness at bay and promotes alertness when eaten or drunk.
How caffeine affects the human system
How does caffeine work? It blocks adenosine – a brain chemical that makes you sleepy. Such blockage brings about wakefulness and alertness. But there’s more! Caffeine may also improve mood and brain function. It can boost metabolism and enhance exercise performance.
Want quick insight into caffeine and its impact?
Role of Caffeine
Effect
Adenosine Blockage
Triggers wakefulness and alertness
Its Benefit
Boosts mood, brain function, metabolism and exercise performance
Based on my experience, it’s important to be cautious about tea consumption, whether it’s black or green tea, due to potential harmful effects. There are three main factors to consider: caffeine content, the presence of aluminium and the effects of tea polyphenols on iron absorption. For patients with heart conditions or cardiovascular problems, it is advisable to avoid green tea.
Now, the key question – how much caffeine is in green tea?
A 230ml serving of green tea carries around 35mg of caffeine in general. But, this figure can range from 30 to 50 mg due to different factors.
Comparing green tea caffeine content with other common caffeinated beverages
Stacking green tea caffeine content against other popular beverages (per 8oz serving):
Brewed Coffee: 102–200mg
Espresso: 240–720mg
Black Tea: 25–110mg
Cola: 22mg
Green Tea: 30–50mg
Green tea has one of the lowest caffeine content amongst these beverages.
Factors that influence caffeine content in green tea
Several things affect the caffeine levels in your tea.
Type of Green Tea: Different kinds of green tea carry varying amounts of caffeine. For example, matcha typically has more caffeine than loose-leaf or bagged green tea.
Brewing Time and Heat: Hotter water and longer brewing will extract more caffeine.
Leaf Age: Younger leaves normally contain more caffeine than older ones.
Health Implications of Caffeine in Green Tea
Caffeine in green tea has amazing friends like L-theanine. They alter its effects. What impacts might this have on health?
Health benefits associated with the caffeine in green tea
Green tea’s caffeine is enough to trigger effects without ‘jitteriness’. So, what can be the benefit for your health?
Anti-cancer Properties: Regular caffeine intake may lower the risks of certain cancers.
Boosted Brain Function: Particularly, thanks to the L-theanine and caffeine combo found in green tea, it may improve attention span.
Weight Loss Aid: Research hints at caffeine aiding in weight control.
Metabolic Health: Its regular moderate intake may lower the chances of metabolic issues.
Potential risks and side effects of caffeine in green tea
While safe for most adults, some may be sensitive to caffeine.
Likely Side Effects: High doses might cause restlessness, sleep trouble and irregular heartbeat.
Pregnancy: Expecting women or those trying to conceive should control their caffeine intake.
Remember, it’s essential to enjoy green tea caffeine wisely. Consult your doctor when unsure.
From what I have seen, it’s important to note that tea, such as green tea, is often referred to as a “negative calories” beverage because it contains very few calories. Additionally, certain compounds in tea, like tannins, can hinder the absorption of specific nutrients like iron and thiamine (Vitamin B). While tea can be a refreshing and hydrating option, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet and ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients from other food sources.
We have now learned about the caffeine world in green tea. Green tea has caffeine, but in amounts that should not concern most people. Eight daily cups of green tea fall under the safe limit of 400mg of caffeine for most adults. That’s quite a tea drinking party, isn’t it?
Simply put, the claim of caffeine-free green tea is a myth. However, although present, it contains less caffeine than other drinks. Its rich store of antioxidants and L-theanine make it a worthy addition to your routine.
Conclusion
Green tea, famous for its health promises and cultural importance, got its myth busted today. Indeed, it contains caffeine, albeit less than coffee and black tea. Thanks to partakers like L-theanine and antioxidants, green tea might be a better pick for overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is green tea very high in caffeine?
No, green tea is far from being high in caffeine. It has less caffeine than coffee and black tea.
Which has more caffeine, coffee or green tea?
Coffee outranks green tea in caffeine content. An 8-ounce serving of coffee holds between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine. In contrast, green tea has between 30 to 50 mg.
Is any green tea caffeine-free?
No, all green teas do contain some level of caffeine. The actual amount can fluctuate based on the green tea type or the brewing method.
Which tea has no caffeine?
Most herbal teas are free of caffeine. Chamomile, peppermint and rooibos tea are examples.
is green tea good for you?
Yes, green tea is considered beneficial for health due to its rich antioxidants and potential health-promoting properties, such as improved heart health and boosted metabolism.
Does matcha green tea have caffeine?
Yes, matcha green tea contains caffeine, but in lower amounts compared to coffee. The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides a more balanced and sustained energy boost.
How much caffeine does green tea have?
Green tea typically contains around 20-45 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. However, caffeine content can vary based on factors such as tea type, brewing time, and water temperature.
What is green tea good for?
Green tea is known for its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve heart health, boost metabolism, and enhance cognitive function.
Is green tea caffeinated?
Yes, green tea is caffeinated, but it generally contains less caffeine than coffee. An 8-ounce cup of green tea typically has around 20-45 milligrams of caffeine.
Does green tea caffeine raise blood pressure?
Green tea caffeine has a modest and temporary impact on blood pressure, often resulting in a mild increase. However, the overall effect is generally considered to be less significant compared to other caffeinated beverages, and the presence of beneficial compounds in green tea may counteract potential negative effects on blood pressure.
Can green tea extract be caffeine free?
Green tea extract is typically not completely caffeine-free, as it is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which naturally contains caffeine. However, there are some decaffeinated green tea extract products available, where the caffeine has been removed or significantly reduced through various processes.
Can green tea cause caffeine addiction?
While green tea contains caffeine, the levels are lower than in coffee. Though some individuals may develop a dependence on caffeine, the risk of addiction to green tea specifically is generally considered low, and moderate consumption is often seen as safe for most people.
Is green tea caffeine healthy?
Moderate consumption of green tea, with its naturally occurring caffeine, is generally considered healthy. The combination of caffeine and antioxidants in green tea may offer various health benefits, such as improved cognitive function, metabolism, and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Does plain green tea have caffeine?
Yes, plain green tea naturally contains caffeine, but in lower amounts compared to coffee. An 8-ounce cup typically has around 20-45 milligrams of caffeine, contributing to its mild stimulating effects.
How long does green tea caffeine last?
The effects of green tea caffeine usually last for about 3 to 4 hours, but individual responses can vary. The moderate amount of caffeine in green tea provides a mild and sustained energy boost without the intense peaks and crashes associated with higher-caffeine beverages.
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Decoding Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
Key Highlights:
Understanding caffeine, its sources, impacts and how much is too excess.
Know your caffeine limit based on health, age, and lifestyle.
Identifying the symptoms of excessive caffeine intake.
Combining caffeine with medications: what you should know.
Long-term implications of caffeine overdose on health.
Techniques to curb your caffeine habit.
Frequently asked questions about daily caffeine intake.
Introduction
Caffeine is more than just a morning jolt. It’s often what keeps us going. But how well do we know it? This post unearths all there is about caffeine. Get ready to learn about its sources, impacts, safe limits, and how to spot excess. Can’t wait to help you keep your caffeine habits in check. Ready for a cup of facts (maybe decaf)?
Did You Know?
Roughly 80% of U.S. adults consume caffeine every day. source: CDC
The effects of caffeine take about 30 minutes to kick in and can last for 5 to 6 hours. source: CDC
The FDA recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 400 milligrams for healthy adults. source: FDA
Caffeine overdose can be observed with rapid consumption of around 1,200 milligrams of caffeine. source: FDA
Decaffeinated coffee and tea still contain some caffeine, typically ranging from 2-15 milligrams per 8-ounce cup. source: FDA
Sources of Caffeine
1. Coffee and Coffee Drinks
Everyone knows coffee is packed with caffeine. A typical eight-ounce cup provides around 92-100 mg. But let’s not forget that brewing method and coffee type can affect it.
2. Teas and Sodas
Black and green tea also carry a dose of caffeine. As do sodas, mostly cola ones. Thinking about their caffeine content? They have 30 to 50 mg and 35 to 45 mg respectively.
3. Chocolate and other food products
Love chocolate chip cookies or dark chocolate? These sweet delights have their share of caffeine too. Breakfast cereals, ice creams, and some meds might carry traces of caffeine as well.
4. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks keep you up and running. But they can load you with 70 to 200 mg of caffeine per serving. Plus, they are often mixed with other stimulants.
Curious about caffeine in drinks? Here’s a quick overview:
Beverages
Average Caffeine content per serving
Coffee (8 oz)
92-100 mg
Tea (8 oz)
30-50 mg
Soda (12 oz)
35-45 mg
Energy Drinks (varies)
70-200 mg
In the course of my practice, I have found that it is important to be aware of your caffeine intake, as it often starts in childhood and continues to increase in adulthood. Initially, caffeine may be consumed in small amounts along with soda and cold coffee, but as you grow older, you may start including higher-caffeine beverages like coffee and energy drinks. It is crucial to monitor your caffeine consumption as excessive intake can have potential effects on your health and well-being.
Wondering what caffeine does after you consume it?
Alertness: We love caffeine because it fights sleepiness and keeps us active. It does this by blocking sleep-promoting receptors in our brain.
Mood Elevator: Moderate caffeine intake may lift mood and cut the risk of depression.
Enhanced Performance: Not only mental alertness, but caffeine can also increase physical performance by breaking down fats and boosting stamina.
But remember, caffeine boosts are temporary. They can’t replace sleep or a balanced diet.
Understand the Caffeine Limit
Our reaction to caffeine varies. Hence, knowing your balance matters.
Recommended Daily Intake
The maximum daily caffeine dose for most adults is 400 mg. That’s about four cups of coffee, two energy shots, or 10 cans of cola. But for would-be moms or those trying, it’s safe to stick to 200 mg.
Factors Determining Individual Caffeine Limits
But these are just general guidelines. Your personal caffeine limit depends on many things.
1. Health and Age
Your overall health, weight, age, metabolic rate, and genes. They all decide your caffeine limit.
2. Specific Physiological Conditions
Certain health issues can make you more sensitive to caffeine. Anxiety, heart disease, high BP, pregnancy are a few. It’s always better to talk to a healthcare provider before adding caffeine to your diet in these cases.
3. Sleep Cycle
Caffeine can upset your sleep pattern. This can lower daytime alertness. Struggling to get sleep? Try reducing caffeine.
From what I’ve seen, it’s important to be careful with caffeine during pregnancy. I’ve observed that caffeine stays in the body longer than usual, which means it affects both you and your baby for a prolonged duration. Since caffeine can potentially impact brain development, it’s best to consider this and limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy.
What does high caffeine intake look like? It could be closer than you think.
One 16-ounce energy drink? Up to 200 mg of caffeine.
A shot of espresso at your go-to café? 63 to 126 mg of caffeine.
Four 1.5-ounce packs of chocolate-covered coffee beans? Around 336 mg of caffeine.
Here’s a snapshot of high caffeine content in common food and drinks:
Food and Beverage
Average Caffeine Content
Energy drink (16 oz)
200 mg
Espresso (1 shot)
63-126 mg
Chocolate covered coffee beans (6 oz)
336 mg
Based on what I’ve seen, caffeine has the ability to positively affect both objective and perceived cognitive performance. It works by increasing alertness and wakefulness, which can enhance your mental focus and attention. Additionally, consuming caffeine in the short term has been shown to improve performance on memory tasks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that individual responses to caffeine may vary, and it’s best to find the right balance that works for you.
Too much caffeine does no good. It can leave you with unpleasant symptoms. Physical signs can tell you if your coffee habit is getting out of bounds.
1. Anxiety
Small amounts of caffeine wake you up. But high doses can make you anxious or jittery.
2. Insomnia
Caffeine can disturb your sleep cycle. This can disrupt sleep and release extra wakefulness.
3. Digestive Issues
Large caffeine doses can result in stomach ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn.
4. Muscle Breakdown
Rhabdomyolysis—extreme muscle breakdown—is rare but can occur due to large amounts of caffeine.
5. High Blood Pressure
Long-term heavy caffeine can lead to high BP.
6. Increased Heart Rate
Caffeine can also fasten your heartbeat which can have harmful effects, such as changes in heart rhythm.
7. Fatigue
Regular caffeine doses will keep you alert. But over time it can cause insomnia and daytime fatigue.
8. Frequent Urination and Urgency
Caffeine is a diuretic. Large amounts can make you urinate more. This can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
Identifying Behavioral Symptoms
Too much caffeine can also bring behavioral changes. It might say it’s time to cut your caffeine dose.
Addiction
Caffeine is not highly addictive. However high doses could lead to mental or physical dependence.
Irritability
Large amounts of caffeine can make people irritable or restless. Even moderate amounts can have this effect on people sensitive to caffeine’s effects.
Have a look at this summary of too much caffeine signs and symptoms:
From what I’ve seen, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, exceeding 400 mg per day, can potentially increase the risk of detrusor instability, also known as an unstable bladder, especially in women. This means that high caffeine intake may lead to bladder contractions and an increased urge to urinate. It’s important to be mindful of your caffeine consumption and consider reducing it if you experience symptoms of bladder instability.
Mixing caffeine with certain meds can change their effect and invite strong side effects.
Interactions with Medications
Caffeine might meddle with how certain meds work. It’s always best to talk to your doctor if you’re under treatment. Caffeine might interact with antidepressants, anticoagulants, heart meds, some antibiotics, and thyroid meds.
Alterations in the Effectiveness of Medications
Caffeine can also modify how effective your meds are. For example, it could mess with sedatives. It could boost the effect of certain pain meds, putting your health at risk.
Here’s a small table to sum up these points:
Impacts of Caffeine Overdose:
Overdosing on caffeine can lead to severe health issues and even long-term health risks.
Immediate Effects
Caffeine toxicity can occur from overdosing. It can cause a racing heart, nausea, throwing up, wild episodes, seizures, and even death in rare cases.
Long-Term Implications on Health
Long periods of heavy caffeine intake can lead to chronic diseases. These include heart disease and gut disorders. It can also worsen sleep and mental problems.
How to Curb Your Caffeine Habit:
Worried about your caffeine habits? These tips might help.
Gradual Reduction Techniques
Slowly lowering your caffeine intake can ward off withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, irritation, and headaches.
Some ways to lower caffeine intake include diluting regular coffee with decaf. Alternating between caffeinated and decaf drinks or opting for tea instead of coffee can also work. After all, tea usually has less caffeine.
Seeking Professional Help
Problems managing your caffeine habit? Or noticing worsening health outcomes? Time to seek professional help!
Keep in mind, that you don’t have to cut all caffeine. You just need to reduce intake to a healthy limit, free of side effects.
Conclusion
Understanding how much caffeine to take is key. This lets you enjoy its benefits without any risks. For most adults, 4-5 cups of coffee or 400 mg of caffeine daily is safe. But individual sensitivity to caffeine does come into play. Therefore, observing your body’s reaction to caffeine is vital.
Binging on caffeine can invite a host of health issues. Some might require immediate medical attention. Mixing caffeine with certain meds is not advised. Therefore always consult a doctor. Armed with information and responsible use, maintaining a healthy relationship with caffeine is possible!
Remember, caffeine is an addictive substance. Chronic high doses could lead to dependency, both physical and psychological. So, be wise to have caffeine in moderation keeping in mind our body’s tolerance to it. Monitor your intake, listen to your body’s signals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if any concerns come up. Cheers to a healthy caffeine habit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 1000 mg of Caffeine too Much?
FDA warns that caffeine doses over 1200 mg and daily intakes above 400 mg can be risky. Overdoses may result in insomnia, jitteriness, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, muscle tremors, or even death.
How Much Caffeine is Too Much at Once?
For adults, a single caffeine dose of 200 mg (around 2 cups of coffee) is usually safe. More than this can lead to temporary symptoms. These include rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, jitteriness, and upset stomach.
Is 300mg of Caffeine a Day too Much?
Based on health guidelines, up to 400 mg of caffeine is safe for most healthy adults. So, intake of 300 mg of caffeine a day should not pose a significant risk for a healthy adult. However, individuals may vary in tolerance levels of caffeine.
Is 400mg of Caffeine at Once Bad?
An intake of 400 mg of caffeine at once can lead to overdose symptoms like jitteriness, headache, upset stomach, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes death. It’s safer to spread out your intake throughout the day.
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How Shift Work Can Lead to Sleeping Disorders?
Working in shifts involves following a schedule that differs from the traditional Monday to Friday, 9-5 workdays. It’s when workdays are divided into shifts covering the entire 24 hours with employees working in the evening, overnight or early morning shifts. All living beings including plants and animals have a natural, internal physiological process called the circadian rhythm that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.
Shift schedules, especially in individuals working night shifts or rotational shifts, tend to go against this internal body clock or the Circadian rhythm resulting in what can be termed as the ”Shift Work Disorder Syndrome” which predisposes them to a higher risk of sleep disturbances including trouble in falling asleep, staying asleep and sleeping when desired. Such individuals often become Night owls and get less than 6 hours of sleep on their working days. They are continually sleep deprived and over time turn into insomniacs. They are more likely to be easily awakened by noises and tend to have very light sleep. Not only this, but disruption of the Circadian rhythm can also affect a person’s health, exposing him/her to hormonal imbalances and Metabolic Syndrome disorders like obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
The Shift work sleep disorder is a chronic long-term condition that impacts day-to-day life. You may experience the following symptoms:
Excessive sleepiness, on and off the job
Finding it difficult to concentrate
Lack of energy and tiredness
Insomnia that prevents you from getting the required amount of sleep
Sleep that feels incomplete or is not refreshing
Depression or moodiness
Trouble with relationships
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that can affect people who work nontraditional hours. It causes issues with falling asleep, staying asleep and sleepiness at unwanted times. It’s treatable with lifestyle changes, light therapy and/or medication.
We know for a fact that shift work causes sleep problems, along with affecting your performance and overall wellbeing. However, there are a few tips you can use to improve your sleep and decrease the negative effects of shift work.
Maintaining a regular sleeping schedule: Being consistent with your sleep schedule gives your circadian rhythm the ability to adjust.
Get enough sleep: Give yourself enough time to rest and refresh.
Be careful with caffeine: Drinking a cup of coffee at the start of your shift is good to improve alertness. However, consuming caffeine later in your shift can interfere with sleeping when you get back home.
Avoid working multiple nights in a row: Sleep deprivation will gradually increase over several nights, give yourself time to recover by taking off days in between night shifts.
Avoid rotating shifts: When you change Shifts often, your body’s internal clock is unable to adjust to the schedule.
Avoid extended work hours: Make time for sleep and other activities outside of work so that you’ll feel refreshed before it’s time to get back to the job.
Expose yourself to bright light at the start of your ”day”: Bright light has the same effect as sunlight and will help your brain to recognise it as daytime and make you more alert. Bright lights can help you train your body to recognize the start of your night-time shift as a day.
Take measures to stay alert at work: Your workplace should be bright and cool.
Take a nap before the night shift: Taking a nap of about 90 minutes before reporting for your night shift helps you to stay alert and awake.
Eat well: Try eating three regular meals evenly spaced over the course of the day. Regular meals are important for your body as they serve as cues for the body clock. Avoid eating junk and fast food. Avoid eating the largest meal for the day three hours before bedtime as well as avoid consumption of alcohol. Consume a balanced low-fat meal with plenty of fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Limit disturbances during sleep hours: Educate your family about the body clock and its effect on sleep. Darken your room, turn off your phone, and ask family to limit noise and visitors while you’re sleeping. Make sure to schedule repairs and deliveries outside of your sleep time.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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Impact Of Caffeine Overdose You Should Know!
Caffeine overdose is a reality and we need to accept it. Energy drinks, like coffee and even tea (Indians love their chai), are popular beverages that help to lessen sleepiness, increase energy and maintain alertness. Energy drinks are generally used for temporary relief of distress or the positive effects on attention and performance. These behaviours are also routine for young students to improve performance in studies and sports and professionals to enhance their work-related performance.
These drinks contain chemicals like caffeine, taurine, and vitamins hence can be called caffeinated beverages. These are popular among teenagers and young adults. However, these drinks in addition to caffeine may contain several stimulants and simple sugars, which increase their caloric content.
Since the caffeine concentration in these drinks is high, their overconsumption can have detrimental effects on one’s health. It affects the quality and duration of sleep if consumed in excess. People who habitually consume large amounts of coffee may develop a dependency on it. Serious problems have been reported when caffeine-containing products are consumed in more copious amounts. Mainly children, adolescents, and young adults can develop anxiety, fits, agitation, migraines, sleeplessness, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems or abnormal heartbeat. Importantly, it has been recently demonstrated that energy drinks also induce an ill effect on the functioning of the heart and reduce blood flow to the brain under mental stress. Moreover, caffeine has also been shown to cause damage to the muscle and kidneys.
The outcomes after caffeine toxicity are excellent. Mortality is very rare for patients who seek treatment. Those who do not seek treatment or the treatment is delayed may develop seizures, arrhythmias, or even aspirate vomitus.
Also, over-consumption of caffeine by pregnant mothers could have harmful effects on the healthy development of the unborn child.
Also, the effect of caffeine overdose produces is specific to an individual. Hence, the effects may be different in different individuals for the same amount of caffeine.
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal begin 12 to 24 hours after the last caffeine intake and can last two to nine days, and may include a headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, and drowsiness. Tapering consumption is often found to be helpful.
Considering the ill-effects of excessive use, energy drinks and caffeine-containing beverages should be limited to occasional consumption. These should be avoided before or during sports practice. People with specific heart-related ailments should seek medical advice before consuming such drinks. Parents should restrict the consumption or abuse of energy drinks by their children. Consumption of coffee in a limited quantity is acceptable in otherwise healthy people. The amount one can consume without any ill-effects or experiencing caffeine overdose vary since its effect is individualistic.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
