Caffeine: How much is too much?
Recent research presented at a digestive disease conference in Orlando, Fl., shows that coffee consumption can correlate with lower risk for a particular autoimmune liver disease.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found coffee consumption linked to a reduced risk of a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a bile duct disease that ultimately can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and biliary cancer, which recently claimed the life of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.
In light of this new research, however, is it possible to have too much caffeine?
“Caffeine intake recommendations can be difficult to make because everyone is different,” says Mary Carroll, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. “For example, teens need as much sleep as young children—sometimes more than 9 hours a night—and they may not get that if they’re consuming caffeine. This can lead to insomnia, erratic energy levels, mood swings, and having trouble staying awake at school or even while driving.”
This isn’t good news, as a 2010 study found that children between the ages of 8 and 12 were consuming an average of 109 mg of caffeine per day. The American College of Medical Toxicology reports that popular energy drinks are regularly consumed by 31% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 34% of 18- to 24-year-olds.
As for adults, Carroll recommends that “you should limit your caffeine intake to 200-300 mg per day, which is about 2-4 8-oz cups. Everyone is different, though. People who are taking certain medications or have high blood pressure or other heart problems should consult their physicians because caffeine can exacerbate some of these conditions.”
Dr. Bruce Hyman, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Condell concurs. “As with anything, a common sense approach is best. Caffeine is still a drug and patients and parents have tune in to the amount in their diet. In high doses it could contribute to heart rhythm problems. It could also lead to some hyperactivity in kids. In adults it can cause diuretic like issues.”
Carroll says that heavy caffeine use is 500 to 600 mg per day, which can cause a myriad of side effects, including:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Nervousness
- Irritability
Finally, Carroll adds, “What a lot of my patients don’t realize is that people who consume too much caffeine also tend to take in more food throughout the day because when the caffeine effects wear off, their body is looking to keep its energy levels up—which means they eat more food.”
To help combat this negative effect, Carroll recommends that if you need some caffeine in the morning, you cut yourself off by noon. Which Americans know is easier said than done.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Never thought about the connection between caffeine and increased food consumption. Haven’t heard that previously but it makes sense…..I say as I down my 3rd cup of java today!!!!
Ha, Katie! Yes, that was a surprise to me, too. But then it made sense if I considered when I’m hungry during the day.
since I started drinking coffee, I experience more irritability and I have gained weight due to the constant feeling of insatiable hunger. I haven’t been able to break the habit yet, it’s hard to do.
i am thinking about taking 3 pills of super hd as the product says is ok if i tolerate it i tolerate it but one thing is a problem i get insomnia from it i literary cant sleep past unless its like 5 or 6 am other than that i just cant sleep even if i gym from 10 pm to 2 am. but maybe an extra pill in the morning instead of one wont affect my sleep