17 Caffeine Side Effects That Everyone Should Know About
Unfortunately, your morning cup of joe can do you more harm than good.
By , Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health
The side effects of caffeine come into the picture when the intake goes out of your control. Yes, it has stimulating properties, but many studies suggest that indiscriminate coffee intake may also cause sleep disturbances and induce anxiety in some individuals (1).
What is more disturbing is that caffeine is addictive and may sometimes result in side effects even when consumed in safer dosages. This article explains the 17 ways excess caffeine intake can negatively impact your body, its withdrawal symptoms, and the recommended dosage. Read on!
In This Article
Caffeine – A Brief
Caffeine is well known as an instant energy booster. It helps people fight drowsiness. Yet there is a lot of controversy surrounding its dosage and effectiveness.
Caffeine, scientifically known as methyl theobromine, is an alkaloid. This natural substance is found in many plants, including coffee beans, tea, kola nuts, and cacao pods. This alkaloid is an important part of the commercial platform, and its man-made form is widely used in the production of pharmacy drugs, drinks, chocolates, and coffee infusions.
According to studies, caffeine is the most widely consumed psychostimulant in the world (2). This shows how it is also likely to be over-consumed.
How Does Caffeine Affect Our Body?
As it is water-soluble, caffeine is readily absorbed in our system. It reaches our bloodstream in no time, starting from the stomach to the brain. Does it have any side effects? Read on to know.
Caffeine Side Effects
- May Induce Anxiety Attacks
- May Cause Stomach Disorders
- May Cause Insomnia
- May Cause Miscarriage
- May Increase Blood Pressure Levels
- May Induce Menstrual Problems
- May Increase The Risk Of Urinary Incontinence
- Might Cause Weight Gain
- May Cause Hallucinations
- May Increase The Chances Of Osteoporosis
- May Interfere With Estrogen Production
- Can Increase The Chance Of Breast Tissue Cysts
- May Not Be Good For Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
- Can Inhibit Collagen Production In The Skin
- May Impair Hearing Loss Recovery
- May Trigger Acne
- May Cause Allergies
Its addictive nature makes caffeine a big risk, especially among teenagers and adults. The widely experienced side effects of caffeine include dehydration, excessive production of urine leading to dehydration, stomach disorders, nausea, increased blood pressure, depression, restlessness, increased heart rate leading to death, obesity, increased body weight, and fever.
Read on to get a detailed picture of caffeine side effects:
1. May Induce Anxiety Attacks
Excessive intake of caffeine can lead to a serious case of anxiety. Studies done on secondary school children showed that a high intake of caffeine could be associated with feelings of anxiety and stress (3).
A person with anxiety is known to experience nervousness and restlessness, even under normal conditions. Caffeine worsens such conditions (3). Hence, one should be very cautious if they experience these symptoms.
Prevention Method
People with anxiety disorders should consult their physicians before opting for caffeine. This may rule out the chances of drug interactions.
2. May Cause Stomach Disorders
The acids present in caffeine stimulate the stomach to produce more acid. Caffeine (coffee) seems to promote gastroesophageal reflux (4). Anecdotal evidence suggests that too much caffeine may also lead to stomach disorders like nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and bloating.
Prevention Method
If you have a weak stomach, restrict your daily dose of caffeine to two cups (maximum).
3. May Cause Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person finds it difficult to fall or stay asleep. It is a withdrawal symptom, which is combined with other physical problems, such as increased fatigue and headache. This is a common sign among those who consume a lot of caffeine.
Such people would experience sleeplessness and irritability if they were to withdraw from caffeine. Though certain studies did not find major effects, the intake of caffeine right before bed has been associated with sleeplessness (5).
Prevention Method
The easiest way to tackle insomnia is by avoiding caffeine before going to bed. Cutting down on the number of cups per day can also help.
4. May Cause Miscarriage
Pregnant women should be extra cautious with caffeine as excessive intake may lead to miscarriage and other pre-delivery complications (6).
Caffeine is water-soluble and easily crosses the placenta through the bloodstream. As it is a stimulant, it can cause a rapid increase in the heart rate and metabolism of the fetus. One of the side effects of too much caffeine includes delayed fetal growth (7).
Breastfeeding mothers should not consume more than two cups of coffee per day as it affects the baby directly by causing physical irritability. It may also affect iron status in the infant (8).
Prevention Method
Consult your family physician before you decide to take caffeine regularly. Under any circumstances, would-be mothers should not take more than 200 mg of caffeine in a day.
5. May Increase Blood Pressure Levels
People who have hypertension should be cautious about the amount of caffeine they consume on a daily basis.
Caffeine is known to spike your blood pressure for a short time (9). While there are no long-term effects of caffeine, some believe it may worsen the condition in people with irregular heart rhythms. On the other hand, certain studies state that the intake of coffee is not linked to hypertension (10). Hence, more research is needed to establish a connection.
Caffeine is also associated with a heart attack in young adults. According to a study, young adults with mild hypertension who consume more than four cups of coffee in a day are four times more vulnerable to heart attack than those who consume two cups or less (11).
Prevention Method
If you have hypertension or cardiovascular problems, it is better to seek a medical opinion before including caffeine in your daily routine.
6. May Induce Menstrual Problems
While a hot cup of coffee feels great during those days, excessive intake of caffeine can meddle with your menstrual cycle. It can cause period delays, excessive flow, and prolonged cramps.
Caffeine also increases the chance of vasomotor in menopausal women.
According to a study published in The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, menopausal women who are dependent on caffeine have a greater chance of displaying vasomotor symptoms (12).
Prevention Method
Quantity is key. You should always measure what you consume, whether it is caffeine or not. Consulting a doctor is also an important step, especially if you have menstrual problems.
7. May Increase The Risk Of Urinary Incontinence
Caffeine increases the chances of urinary incontinence in women (13). It is a bladder disorder in which the person loses control of the bladder. It results in the sudden leakage of urine whenever the person laughs, coughs, or sneezes.
Prevention Method
Avoid consuming more than two cups of caffeine in a day.
8. Might Cause Weight Gain
Caffeine may induce stress. Animal studies show that stress can lead to obesity (14). However, there is no direct research stating that caffeine can lead to weight gain and long-term obesity.
Some believe that caffeine brings up the levels of stress hormones, which results in increased hunger pangs. This is not proven by research, though.
Prevention Method
Coffee is great. But making it a habit can add extra kilos to your body. Make it a point to have no more than two-three cups of caffeine in a day, and that includes coffee, cola, chocolate, and tea.
9. May Cause Hallucinations
It is true that caffeine can make you high. If you go overboard, you may experience confusion and hallucinations. These effects were more pronounced in those taking more than seven cups of coffee (more than 300 mg of caffeine in a day) (15). In some cases, this has even led to death due to convulsions (16).
Prevention Method
If you feel you are getting addicted to caffeine, start cutting down your daily consumption slowly.
10. May Increase The Chances Of Osteoporosis
Consuming caffeine in large quantities may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. This effect was found to be true in elderly women, whose calcium performance was already impaired (17). It interferes with the absorption of calcium, resulting in bone thinning (osteoporosis), especially in older women whose intake of calcium is below the recommended intake (18).
Overconsumption of caffeine may also cause achy muscles and twitches, though more research is needed to understand this aspect.
Prevention Method
Avoid caffeine if you have calcium deficiency, as it may worsen the condition.
11. May Interfere With Estrogen Production
Caffeine is known to interfere with estrogen production and metabolism. While it increased estrogen production in Asians, it decreased the levels in white females (19).
Some believe that caffeine can reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant (the higher the caffeine dependency, the greater the risk), though this has not been proven.
It also is believed that caffeine can have strong effects that may complicate pregnancy. Since research is lacking, we suggest that women who look forward to conceiving consult their doctor before taking caffeine.
Prevention Method
Consult your doctor for the recommended safe dosage of caffeine.
12. Can Increase The Chance Of Breast Tissue Cysts
According to a published study, women who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine per day have twice more chances of developing breast tissue cysts than those who take 31-250 mg of caffeine (20).
Prevention Method
Limit your caffeine intake.
13. May Not Be Good For Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may want to consider limiting your caffeine intake. It may impair glucose metabolism, increasing the risk of diabetes complications (21).
Prevention Method
Consult your physician and get your daily caffeine limit defined.
14. Can Inhibit Collagen Production In The Skin
Caffeine was found to reduce collagen production in human skin (22).
Prevention Method
This problem could be easily prevented by limiting your caffeine dose.
15. May Impair Hearing Loss Recovery
According to a study conducted on guinea pigs, caffeine may also delay the recovery rate of noise-induced hearing loss (23). The same correlation is believed to be observed in humans as well.
Prevention Method
The ideal solution is not to consume more than 400 mg of caffeine in a day.
Insufficient Evidence For The Following
16. May Trigger Acne
Having numerous cups of coffee in a day can also cause acne. Caffeine magnifies the body’s stress levels by boosting stress hormones, which is one of the main reasons for breakouts. Caffeine can also throw your body off balance, causing stress and eventually breakouts.
Prevention Method
If you love your skin and are quite vulnerable to acne breakouts, limit your caffeine intake.
17. May Cause Allergies
Caffeine allergy is highly uncommon, but some people might develop oversensitivity to it. This may cause allergic symptoms, like rashes, hives, and pain.
Prevention Method
If you experience such reactions, it is better to quit caffeine. Seek a doctor’s advice if the problem persists.
Some of the side effects could be quite uncomfortable. But does this mean you need totally abstain from caffeine? Well, doing that too early may lead to caffeine withdrawal, especially if you are used to consuming caffeine on a regular basis.
Symptoms Of Caffeine Withdrawal
According to research, more than 68 million Americans are caffeine-dependent.
But why do we get addicted to caffeine?
Caffeine is a smart drug. It suppresses adenosine, a chemical produced by the brain that relaxes our body. It leads to a tense surge of energy in our system. This, in turn, forces our brain to demand increased levels of caffeine to stimulate the same reaction. Thus, caffeine dependency is created. These are the caffeine side effects on the brain.
People who try to get off caffeine experience a lot of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are generally mild but can also be fatal for those who are highly accustomed to caffeine.
The general short-term withdrawal symptoms include (24):
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Grogginess
- Lethargy
- Muscle pain
- Depression
- Lack of concentration
Recommended Dosage Of Caffeine
Caffeine, with its taste and neuropsychiatric effects, has claimed a prominent place in our lives. Whether it is in chocolates or your morning beverage, it is almost impossible to avoid it. But there’s an important question we need to consider – how much of caffeine is too much?
Caffeine is a drug. Just like other allopathic drugs, caffeine can also affect people differently. Always remember that any pre-existing medical condition can add to the negative effects of caffeine. Thus, knowing our body condition, medical history, and daily intake is important. In fact, half the troubles associated with this drug can be diminished by keeping a tab on the quantity consumed daily.
What is the safe limit for caffeine?
A healthy adult can consume up to 400 mg (about 4 cups of coffee, or 10 cans of aerated caffeinated drinks) of caffeine daily without worrying about the side effects (24). However, this upper limit is highly dependent on your present health condition and other medications you are on.
Children under the age of five should avoid caffeine. Teenagers and young adults should not go for more than 100 mg of caffeine daily.
Caffeine is a common ingredient in teas, coffees, and chocolates. However, it is important to note that taking high amounts of caffeine can have adverse effects. Excess caffeine may induce anxiety, cause menstrual problems, and hinder estrogen production. Individuals with heart problems, weakened bones, and diabetes should avoid consuming caffeine. Some may also experience hallucinations, insomnia, or weight gain. Caffeine may cause allergies or acne in others. Limiting or avoiding its consumption can prevent these unwanted effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does caffeine cause dehydration and dry mouths?
Caffeine is a natural diuretic. Some theories suggest that caffeine causes too much fluid to leave the system, resulting in dehydration and a dry mouth. Some also believe that having caffeine is not a good idea while working out as it can cause excessive dehydration. However, research is limited.
In fact, one study states that there could be no link between caffeine intake and dehydration or dry mouth (25).
Does caffeine increase the risk of gout?
Research is limited here. Conversely, some research suggests that long-term caffeine intake may reduce the risk of gout (26). To be on the safe side, if you have gout, please consult your doctor before consuming caffeine.
What are the different ways to reduce caffeine intake?
One should never quit caffeine abruptly. It may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are habituated to caffeine.
A better solution is to go for a step-by-step reduction method. Begin by cutting down on the number of cups you take in a day. Continue this for a few months until you are sure you won’t cheat. Then, start replacing this high-caffeine beverage with something healthier, like green or white tea and organic fruit juice. Keep your physician in the loop at all times.
Can we take supplements along with caffeine?
You are allowed to take certain supplements along with caffeine, especially those that are known to help cleanse the colon, stimulate digestive enzymes, and rehydrate cells. However, one must avoid herbs and supplements that are known to increase the risk of bleeding. Do consult your doctor before going for drugs and supplements as your medical history may aggravate the problem.
How much caffeine is found in chocolates and beverages?
Coffee is known to contain the maximum amount of caffeine. The quantity of caffeine, however, is highly dependent on the brewing method, the strength of the brew, type of coffee bean, and the cup size. A typical 250 ml cup of black coffee contains about 85 mg of caffeine. A single espresso shot has about 63 mg caffeine, while one cup of decaf coffee contains about 3 mg caffeine.
On the other hand, an 8-ounce can of red bull contains about 78-80 mg of caffeine. A cup of green tea is known to contain 20-45 mg of caffeine. Cola contains about 30-48 mg of caffeine per can.
Like coffee, the caffeine content in chocolates is also highly dependent on its type. A bar of milk chocolate contains about 1.4 mg of caffeine, which can go as high as 70 mg for a typical dark chocolate bar.
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