The Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world. Natural sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, and chocolate. Synthetic caffeine is also added to products to promote arousal, alertness, energy, and elevated mood. Over the past decade, the introduction of new caffeine-containing food products, as well as changes in consumption patterns of the more traditional sources of caffeine, has increased scrutiny by health authorities and regulatory bodies about the overall consumption of caffeine and its potential cumulative effects on behavior and physiology. Of particular concern is the rate of caffeine intake among populations potentially vulnerable to the negative effects of caffeine consumption: pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, young adults, and people with underlying heart or other health conditions, such as mental illness. Here, we review the research into the safety and safe doses of ingested caffeine in healthy and in vulnerable populations. We report that, for healthy adults, caffeine consumption is relatively safe, but that for some vulnerable populations, caffeine consumption could be harmful, including impairments in cardiovascular function, sleep, and substance use. We also identified several gaps in the literature on which we based recommendations for the future of caffeine research.

Caffeine improves sperm quality, modulates steroidogenic enzyme activities, restore testosterone levels and prevent oxidative damage in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model of amnesia

“…Caffeine (1,3,7‐trimethylxanthine) is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive compound present in a variety of food and food products including dietary supplements and synthetic drugs . It is consumed mainly due to its stimulating and psychoactive effects as it affects brain function and behaviour.…”

“…Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive compound present in a variety of food and food products including dietary supplements and synthetic drugs. [1] It is consumed mainly due to its stimulating and psychoactive effects as it affects brain function and behaviour. Several experimental studies have established that caffeine exhibit therapeutic effects against cardiovascular diseases, [2] inflammation, [3] including memory impairment and cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.…”

Are energy drinks suitable for children?

“…Outside of Europe, the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends that energy drinks are not appropriate for children or adolescents due to the potential impact of high caffeine intakes on children (Temple et al . ). Guidance from Canada for children and adolescents is that caffeine intake should not exceed 2.5 mg/kg bodyweight/day (Government of Canada ).…”

Placenta‐on‐a‐Chip: In Vitro Study of Caffeine Transport across Placental Barrier Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

“…Coffee, tea, and cocoa are the primary natural sources of caffeine. Both health authorities and regulatory bodies have raised concerns about consumption of caffeine‐enhanced food and beverages because of the increased availability of caffeine‐enhanced food products containing synthetic caffeine . Because caffeine is found not only in food and beverages, but also in prescription and over‐the‐counter medications, many pregnant women are very likely to consume caffeine in some form, so they may risk exposing underdeveloped fetuses to this behaviorally active substance.…”