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Delve into the world of caffeine with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the history, consumption, metabolism, and effects of caffeine. Discover how caffeine impacts performance, women's health, reproductive health, breastfeeding, and more. Get answers to common questions and find out which products contain caffeine and in what amounts. With a focus on science-based information, this resource aims to educate and debunk misconceptions surrounding caffeine consumption.
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Introduction • Decades of scientific research on all aspects of caffeine and health yet…. • Caffeine confusion persists
History of Caffeine • 2737 B.C.-- Chinese made tea using tea leaves • 575 A.D. -- Coffee originated in Africa • 11th century -- Arabians consumed coffee beverages • 1519 -- Aztecs introduced chocolate to Spanish explorers • 1880s -- First caffeinated soft drinks
Caffeine Quick Facts • Naturally found in leaves, seeds, and fruits of plants • Coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks • Used as a flavoring agent
Caffeine Consumption • Experts agree: moderation and common sense are key • Moderation = 300 mg; or about 3 cups of coffee • Adult per capita consumption approximately 200 mg daily (Food & Chemical Toxicology, 1996)
Caffeine Metabolism • Mild central nervous system stimulant • Caffeine effects vary greatly • Caffeine excreted within several hours of consumption
Dependence/Withdrawal • Moderate caffeine consumption is safe and should not be classified with addictive drugs of abuse • When regular caffeine consumption is abruptly discontinued, some people may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms
Caffeine & Performance • May increase alertness and enhance performance • Improved physical endurance • Enhanced mental abilities
Women’s Health • Women wonder about safety of caffeine-containing foods and beverages • Research supports moderate consumption of caffeine for consumers, including pregnant, nursing, and post-menopausal women
Caffeine & Reproductive Health • Fertility: No association between total caffeine consumption and reduced fertility • Miscarriage: Ongoing research and numerous existing studies find no evidence that moderate caffeine intake has adverse effects on pregnancy or pregnancy outcome
Breastfeeding • 1-3 cups of coffee a day OK • 3+ can lead to increased wakefulness and poor feeding for the baby
Breast Changes • No association between caffeine and breast changes, tumors, or tenderness
Caffeine and Kids • Except for infants, children metabolize caffeine more rapidly than adults • However, pound for pound, children are no more sensitive to caffeine than adults
Questions About Caffeine & Health Issues • Osteoporosis: Adequate calcium consumption, such as a small amount of milk, offsets potential effect of caffeine on bone density
Questions About Caffeine & Health • Heart Disease: Some people may experience temporary and minor rise in blood pressure, similar to climbing a flight of stairs
Questions About Caffeine & Health Issues Hydration: • Anecdotal reports that caffeine “causes dehydration” exaggerate the facts • Caffeine consumption does stimulate mild diuresis, but this is usually offset by the liquid with which it is typically consumed • Tolerance to caffeine reduces the chance of fluid imbalance
What Products Contain Caffeine—and How Much? Milligrams Caffeine ItemTypicalRange • Coffee (8 oz) 100 60 – 180 • Tea (8 oz) 40 20 – 90 • Some soft drinks (8 oz) 24 20 – 40 • Cocoa beverage (8 oz) 6 3 – 32 • Chocolate milk (8 oz) 5 2 – 7 • Milk chocolate (1 oz) 6 1 – 15 • Baker’s chocolate (1 oz) 26 26
What This Means to You • Researchers continue to study caffeine and health issues • Overwhelming scientific evidence shows caffeine consumption is safe • Moderation is key
Where to Find Scientifically-Based Information on Caffeine • Health Canada Fact Sheet on Caffeine: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/dg/e_caffeine.html • US Food & Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html • American Dietetic Association: http://www.eatright.com/healthy/caffeine.html and http://www.eatright.com/adap0699.html • Duyff, R., American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 2nd Edition • International Food Information Council Foundation: http://ific.org
More Sources of Reliable Information on Caffeine • National Soft Drink Association: http://www.nsda.org/WhatsIn/caffeinecontent.html • National Coffee Association: www.ncausa.org • Tea Council of the USA: www.teausa.com