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Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and the active ingredient in [[coffee]].
'''Caffeine''' is a central nervous system stimulant and the active ingredient in [[coffee]].<ref name="Medlineplus">{{Cite web | url = https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html | title = Caffeine | last = | first = | author-link = | date = | website = MedlinePlus|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2022-05-23}}</ref><ref name="WebMD">{{Cite web | url = https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine | title = CAFFEINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews | last = | first = | author-link = | date = | website = WebMD|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2022-05-23}}</ref><ref name="Mayo">{{Cite web | url = https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678 | title = Caffeine: How much is too much? | website = Mayo Clinic|language=en | access-date = 2022-05-23}}</ref> For most healthy people, it is not harmful to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day.<ref name="Mayo" /><ref name="FDA" />


==Uses==
==Uses==
Caffeine occurs naturally in [[coffee]], [[tea]], [[cocoa]], chocolate, [[guarana extract|guarana]], and many other plants, foods and drinks.<ref name="WebMD" /><ref name="Mayo" /> Caffeine can also be taken as a supplement and may be added to other food or drinks, especially energy drinks.<ref name="FDA" />
Caffeine is typically used for:
* increased mental alertness
*[[migraine]]s and [[headache]]s, including in over-the-counter and perscription drugs
* improved athletic performance
* to improve [[short-term memory problems|short-term memory]]
* [[obesity]]/[[weight loss]]
* less commonly, for [[asthma]] or gallbladder disease<ref name="WebMD" />
===Energy drinks===
Drinks marketed as '''energy drinks''' or sometimes '''sports drinks''' typically contain a number of different stimulants, including:
* high or very high doses of caffeine
* high or very high amounts of simple sugars
* [[taurine]]
* [[guarana extract]]
* [[methionine]]
* [[ginseng]]
* other [[amino acid]]s or natural stimulants<ref name="Clauson2008" />
Energy drink brands include such as Spike Shooter, Pimp Juice, Red Bull, and Cocaine. <ref name="Clauson2008">{{Cite journal | title = Safety issues associated with commercially available energy drinks | date = 2008-05-01 | url = https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1544319115312097 | journal = Journal of the American Pharmacists Association | volume = 48 | issue = 3| pages = e55–e67 | last = Clauson | first = Kevin A. | last2 = Shields | first2 = Kelly M. | last3 = McQueen | first3 = Cydney E. | last4 = Persad | first4 = Nikki|language=en|doi=10.1331/JAPhA.2008.07055|issn=1544-3191}}</ref>
===Caffeine powder===
The FDA has issued a warning against the use of caffeine powder, which can provide 1200mg of caffine per 0.15 tablespoons of pure caffeine, this is three times the suggested safe daily limit and a level high enough to cause toxic effects, including [[seizure]]s.<ref name="FDA"/>


==Theory==
==Theory==


==Evidence==
==Evidence==
==Notable studies ==
===Perscription drugs ===
*2015, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome<ref name="Patrick2015">{{Cite journal|title=Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome|date=2015-04-03|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004|journal=Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior|volume=3|issue=2|pages=122–125|last=Patrick|first=David M.|last2=Miller|first2=Ruth R.|last3=Steiner|first3=Theodore|last4=Gardy|first4=Jennifer L.|last5=Parker|first5=Shoshana M.|last6=Tang|first6=Patrick|doi=10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004|issn=2164-1846}}</ref> - [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004 (Abstract)]
Caffeine is FDA-approved for:
*[[migraine]] and [[tension-type headache]]s, when combined pain relief drugs
*Preventing headaches after surgery (for people who regularly consume caffeine)
*Caffeine citrate is approved for pauses in breathing that may be followed by low heart rate and low oxygen levels in newborns.
 
===ME/CFS ===
Many people with ME/CFS use caffeine to improve mental alertness or [[concentration]] or to reduce [[fatigue]] in the short term, but the 2014 [[International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis]] primer cautions against excessive usage due to the risk of [[tachycardia]] and [[agitation]].<ref name="Primer2014">{{Citation | date = 2014 | url=https://www.massmecfs.org/images/pdf/Primer_2014.pdf | title=Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Primer for Clinical Practitioners | last1 = ((International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)) | author-link = International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis | last2 = Friedberg | first2 = Fred | author-link2 = Fred Friedberg | last3 = Bateman | first3 = Lucinda| author-link3 = Lucinda Bateman | last4 = Bested | first4 = Alison C | author-link4 = Alison Bested | last5 =Davenport | first5 = Todd | author-link5 = Todd Davenport | last6 = Friedman | first6 = Kenneth J | author-link6 = Kenneth Friedman | last7 = Gurwitt | first7 = Alan R | author-link8 = Alan Gurwitt | last8 = Jason | first8 = Leonard A | author-link8 = Leonard Jason | last9 = Lapp | first9 = Charles W | author-link9 = Charles Lapp | last10 = Stevens | first10 = Staci R | author-link10 = Staci Stevens | last11 = Underhill | first11 =  Rosemary A | author-link11 = Rosemary Underhill | last12 = Vallings | first12 = Rosamund | author-link12 = Rosamund Vallings|location=Chicago, USA| publisher =  International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis}}</ref> Consuming caffeine in the afternoon or evening is also advised against for ME/CFS patients due to the likelihood of it causing or contributing to [[insomnia]].<ref name="Primer2014"/> Adolescents and children with ME/CFS are advised to limit the use of caffeine for concentration/attention to times when it is particularly important, such as for exams, and to be aware of the caffeine found in energy drinks.<ref name="Rowe, et al, 2017">{{Cite journal | last1 = Rowe | first1 = Peter C. | author-link1 = Peter Rowe | last2 = Underhill | first2 = Rosemary A. | author-link2 = Rosemary Underhill | last3 = Friedman | first3 = Kenneth J. | author-link3 = Kenneth Friedman | last4 = Gurwitt | first4 = Alan | author-link4 = Alan Gurwitt | last5 = Medow | first5 = Marvin S. | author-link5 = Marvin Medow | last6 = Schwartz | first6 = Malcolm S. | author-link6 = Malcolm Schwartz | last7 = Speight | first7 = Nigel | author-link8 = Nigel Speight | last8 = Stewart | first8 = Julian M. | author-link8 = Julian Stewart | last9 = Vallings | first9 = Rosamund | author-link9 = Rosamund Vallings | last10 = Rowe | first10 = Katherine S. | author-link10 = Katherine Rowe| title = Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer| journal = Frontiers in Pediatrics | volume = 5 | issue =  | pages =121 | date = 2017| doi =10.3389/fped.2017.00121}}</ref>  


==Risks and side effects==
==Risks and side effects==
For most adults, a limit of 400mg of caffeine daily is likely to be safe, although this may not necessarily be safe long term.<ref name="Mayo" /><ref name="FDA" /> Just four cups of brewed coffee, ten cans of cola or two typical  energy shot drinks provide the maximum recommended amount of 400mg of caffeine.<ref name="Mayo" /> Caffeine sensitivity varies greatly between people so some people will experience harmful effects at much lower doses.<ref name="FDA" />
===High doses ===
Large doses of caffeine can cause serious adverse reactions, including even fatalities resulting from excessive consumption, especially in the form of [[#Energy_drinks|"energy" drinks]] or [[#Caffeine_powder|caffeine powder]].<ref name="FDA">{{Cite web | title = Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? | date = 2021-12-02 | url = https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much | last = Office of the Commissioner | first = | author-link = |language=en| publisher = [[Food and Drug Administration]] | access-date = 2022-05-23|quote=|via=}}</ref><ref name="Clauson2008" /><ref name="Calabro2016">{{Cite book | title = Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse | date = 2016 | chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012800634400072X | volume = 3 | pages = 723–732 | last = Calabrò| first = Rocco S. | author-link = | last2 = Naro | first2 = Antonino | author-link2 = | last3 = Bramanti | first3 = Placido | author-link3 = |isbn=978-0-12-800634-4|chapter=Chapter 72 - Caffeine and Taurine and Energy Drink Abuse|language=en|location=San Diego| publisher = Academic Press|editor-last = Preedy|editor-first = Victor R.|doi=|quote=|edition=|url=| editor1-link = |editor-last2 = |editor-first2 = | editor2-link = |veditors=|others=}}</ref><ref name="WebMD" /><ref name="Mayo" />
Caffeine is mildly addictive, but other substances found in energy drinks are more addictive.<ref name="Calabro2016" /> Caffeine withdrawal is not considered dangerous.
Excessive caffeine intake causes:
*[[Restlessness]] and shakiness, sometimes called "jitters"
*[[Insomnia]], especially if drunk/taken in the afternoon
*[[Headache]]s
*[[Dizziness]]
*[[Tachycardia|Fast heart rate or racing heart]]
*[[Dehydration]] from increased urination
*Nervousness
*[[Irritability]]
*[[Anxiety]]
*Dependency, meaning that higher amounts of it are needed to get the same results
*Upset stomach or [[heartburn]]
*Reduced [[calcium]] absorption
*[[hypertension|Increased blood pressure]]
*Muscle [[tremor]]s<ref name="WebMD" /><ref name="Medlineplus" /><ref name="FDA" />
===Interactions===
Caffeine may interact with certain perscription drugs or other supplements, particularly:
* [[Ephedrine]], which is used in decongestants
*Theophylline, a medication used to open up bronchial airways.
*[[Echinacea]], a herbal supplement sometimes used to prevent [[colds]] or other [[infection]]s<ref name="Mayo" />


==Costs and availability==
==Costs and availability==
Very widely available and inexpensive.
==Notable studies ==
*2015, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome<ref name="Patrick2015">{{Cite journal | title = Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome | date = 2015-04-03 | url = https://doi.org/10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004|journal = Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior  | volume = 3 | issue = 2 | pages = 122–125 | last = Patrick | first = David M. | last2 = Miller | first2 = Ruth R. | last3 = Steiner | first3 = Theodore | last4 = Gardy | first4 = Jennifer L. | last5 = Parker | first5 = Shoshana M. | last6 = Tang | first6 = Patrick|doi=10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004|issn=2164-1846}}</ref> - [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004 (Abstract)]


==Learn more==
== See also ==
*[[Guarana extract]]
*[[Taurine]]


==See also==
== Learn more ==
*[https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html Caffeine] - MedlinePlus
*[https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine/ Caffine] - WebMD
*[https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678 Caffeine] - Mayo Clinic
*[https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?] - FDA


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}



Latest revision as of 13:28, April 3, 2023

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and the active ingredient in coffee.[1][2][3] For most healthy people, it is not harmful to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day.[3][4]

Uses[edit | edit source]

Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, guarana, and many other plants, foods and drinks.[2][3] Caffeine can also be taken as a supplement and may be added to other food or drinks, especially energy drinks.[4]

Caffeine is typically used for:

Energy drinks[edit | edit source]

Drinks marketed as energy drinks or sometimes sports drinks typically contain a number of different stimulants, including:

Energy drink brands include such as Spike Shooter, Pimp Juice, Red Bull, and Cocaine. [5]

Caffeine powder[edit | edit source]

The FDA has issued a warning against the use of caffeine powder, which can provide 1200mg of caffine per 0.15 tablespoons of pure caffeine, this is three times the suggested safe daily limit and a level high enough to cause toxic effects, including seizures.[4]

Theory[edit | edit source]

Evidence[edit | edit source]

Perscription drugs[edit | edit source]

Caffeine is FDA-approved for:

  • migraine and tension-type headaches, when combined pain relief drugs
  • Preventing headaches after surgery (for people who regularly consume caffeine)
  • Caffeine citrate is approved for pauses in breathing that may be followed by low heart rate and low oxygen levels in newborns.

ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

Many people with ME/CFS use caffeine to improve mental alertness or concentration or to reduce fatigue in the short term, but the 2014 International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis primer cautions against excessive usage due to the risk of tachycardia and agitation.[6] Consuming caffeine in the afternoon or evening is also advised against for ME/CFS patients due to the likelihood of it causing or contributing to insomnia.[6] Adolescents and children with ME/CFS are advised to limit the use of caffeine for concentration/attention to times when it is particularly important, such as for exams, and to be aware of the caffeine found in energy drinks.[7]

Risks and side effects[edit | edit source]

For most adults, a limit of 400mg of caffeine daily is likely to be safe, although this may not necessarily be safe long term.[3][4] Just four cups of brewed coffee, ten cans of cola or two typical energy shot drinks provide the maximum recommended amount of 400mg of caffeine.[3] Caffeine sensitivity varies greatly between people so some people will experience harmful effects at much lower doses.[4]

High doses[edit | edit source]

Large doses of caffeine can cause serious adverse reactions, including even fatalities resulting from excessive consumption, especially in the form of "energy" drinks or caffeine powder.[4][5][8][2][3]

Caffeine is mildly addictive, but other substances found in energy drinks are more addictive.[8] Caffeine withdrawal is not considered dangerous.

Excessive caffeine intake causes:

Interactions[edit | edit source]

Caffeine may interact with certain perscription drugs or other supplements, particularly:

  • Ephedrine, which is used in decongestants
  • Theophylline, a medication used to open up bronchial airways.
  • Echinacea, a herbal supplement sometimes used to prevent colds or other infections[3]

Costs and availability[edit | edit source]

Very widely available and inexpensive.

Notable studies[edit | edit source]

  • 2015, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome[9] - (Abstract)

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Caffeine". MedlinePlus. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "CAFFEINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews". WebMD. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Caffeine: How much is too much?". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Office of the Commissioner (December 2, 2021). "Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?". Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Clauson, Kevin A.; Shields, Kelly M.; McQueen, Cydney E.; Persad, Nikki (May 1, 2008). "Safety issues associated with commercially available energy drinks". Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. 48 (3): e55–e67. doi:10.1331/JAPhA.2008.07055. ISSN 1544-3191.
  6. 6.0 6.1 International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis; Friedberg, Fred; Bateman, Lucinda; Bested, Alison C; Davenport, Todd; Friedman, Kenneth J; Gurwitt, Alan R; Jason, Leonard A; Lapp, Charles W; Stevens, Staci R; Underhill, Rosemary A; Vallings, Rosamund (2014), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Primer for Clinical Practitioners (PDF), Chicago, USA: International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  7. Rowe, Peter C.; Underhill, Rosemary A.; Friedman, Kenneth J.; Gurwitt, Alan; Medow, Marvin S.; Schwartz, Malcolm S.; Speight, Nigel; Stewart, Julian M.; Vallings, Rosamund; Rowe, Katherine S. (2017). "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer". Frontiers in Pediatrics. 5: 121. doi:10.3389/fped.2017.00121.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Calabrò, Rocco S.; Naro, Antonino; Bramanti, Placido (2016). "Chapter 72 - Caffeine and Taurine and Energy Drink Abuse". In Preedy, Victor R. (ed.). Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse. 3. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 723–732. ISBN 978-0-12-800634-4.
  9. Patrick, David M.; Miller, Ruth R.; Steiner, Theodore; Gardy, Jennifer L.; Parker, Shoshana M.; Tang, Patrick (April 3, 2015). "Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in chronic fatigue syndrome". Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior. 3 (2): 122–125. doi:10.1080/21641846.2015.1024004. ISSN 2164-1846.