Effects of Caffeine Consumption

Posted 3 months, 4 weeks ago at 5:09 pm. 0 comments

There is an extensive article in the current (March 2008) issue of the "Nutrition Action Health Letter" published by the well-respected Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI, the organization primarily responsible for getting us mandatory nutritional facts printed on food, among many other accolades.)

They summarize the current knowledge about caffeine and its effects–caffeine provides many possible benefits and few side effects (excluding pregnant women.)

The side effects listed are:

1. It may cause sleeplessness if taken within a few hours of bedtime.
2. If at least 300mg/day taken, fertility may cut odds of pregnancy in half
3. At least 200mg/day may increase risk of miscarriage.
4. People susceptible to migraines may be at increased risk with daily caffeine exposure.

The benefits of caffeine according to current research are:

1. Decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease
2. Decreased risk of Gallstones,
3. Improved mental performance,
4. Headache reduction
5. Improved mood
6. Better athletic performance.

What caffeine does not cause:

1. Caffeine does not counteract alcohol’s detrimental effects,
2. There is not enough data to determine if birth defect risk is increased, but the FDA recommends avoiding caffeine-containing foods and drugs if possible.
3. Caffeine does not increase risk of:  heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis (as long as you increase your calcium intake slightly,) dehydration (it’s not a diuretic,) PMS, weight loss, or stunt growth.