The Buzz On Caffeine: Are You Getting More Than You Bargained For?

There's no doubt about it. Americans have a collective caffeine habit. From our morning "cup of joe" to tea, soda and energy drinks, this common stimulant can be found in some form in almost every home, supermarket, coffee shop and pharmacy in the United States.

So it begs the question: is there really any harm?

Moderate consumption of caffeine (the equivalent of about 500 mg a day), is generally safe for most people. But caffeine is a drug and it can be addictive. It can increase heart rate, interfere with sleep, cause heartburn and increase anxiety. And contrary to what many think, caffeine does not really work to "sober up" someone who has had too much alcohol.

The link between coronary heart disease and caffeine intake is still being studied. So far, moderate coffee drinking (one to two cups per day) doesn't seem to be harmful. Just avoid consuming caffeine for several hours before bedtime to prevent sleep problems.

How much caffeine are you getting?
Everyone should be aware of how much caffeine they consume daily. You may be getting unexpected amounts of caffeine in your diet.

Caffeine content for drinks on this chart is generally milligrams (mg) per cup (8 oz.), unless otherwise noted.

Other health considerations
For some health conditions, it is critical to check with your doctor before you consume caffeine.

• Pregnancy. Drinking five or more cups of coffee a day appears to double the risk of miscarriage and may cause low birth weight. Doctors recommend limiting caffeine to 200 mg a day during pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding. Caffeine passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who drink the equivalent of two cups of coffee a day may find that their babies have trouble sleeping.
• Dehydration or urinary problems. You may need to reduce your intake of caffeine or avoid it altogether.
• Chronic medical conditions. Ask your doctor if caffeine is safe for you if you:
  • Take any medications
  • Have a chronic medical condition
  • Have a thyroid, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular or anxiety disorder
• High blood pressure. Besides caffeine from other sources, be careful with energy drinks. They may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and/or interfere with blood pressure meds.

No one should use caffeine all the time as a crutch to enhance alertness or fight fatigue. This could mask an underlying disorder. If you think you are getting too much caffeine, though, don't quit "cold turkey." If you do, you're likely to get headaches, or feel irritable or nauseous. Cut back slowly on caffeine to make the transition easier.

Related Articles Should You Decaffeinate?

External Sources American Heart Association. Energy drinks may pose risks for people with high blood pressure, heart disease. Accessed November 7, 2007. Centre for Drug and Alcohol. Caffeine fact sheet. Accessed November 6, 2007. American Heart Association. Habitual caffeine intake and the risk of hypertension in women. Accessed November 6, 2007. American Heart Association. Habitual coffee drinking may not raise heart disease risk. Accessed November 7, 2007.

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