OVER THE past two decades, extensive research has been conducted on the health aspects of caffeine consumption. Many of these studies have concentrated on the effects of caffeine on breast and stomach cancers; hypertension; heart disease; fertility and osteoporosis, among others. The results from these studies, generally, have been inconclusive, ambiguous, and inconsistent.
Caffeine's role in many other cancers has also shown no connection. In addition, dozens of large and recognised studies have found no link between caffeine, coffee, and heart disease. Hence, it seems safe to conclude that there are no major health risks associated with moderate caffeine consumption, "provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption) are moderate, as well," according to the American Medical Association. Moderate caffeine consumption is considered to be approximately 300 mg., which is equal to three cups of coffee daily, but this depends on the individual and can vary, depending on the type of beverage.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies caffeine as 'generally recognised as safe' (GRAS). Most experts agree that moderation and common sense are the keys to consuming caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
SENSITIVITY TO CAFFEINE
Persons differ greatly in their sensitivity to caffeine. With regular consumption often comes a high tolerance level for the effects of the ingredient. For example, a person who consumes caffeine on a regular basis may drink several cups of coffee in a few hours and experience little or no effects. On the other hand, a person who is not a regular consumer of caffeine may feel some stimulant effect after just one or two cups. When trying to determine caffeine's effects on an individual, several factors must be considered. These include the amount of caffeine ingested; the frequency of consumption; and the individual's metabolism and sensitivity.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Some persons complain of experiencing withdrawal symptoms from lack of
caffeine. Withdrawal symptoms are said to be worse and more common than most doctors are aware. Withdrawals, according to Medical Data Exchange Health Digest (U.S.), occurs even after consuming only very small amounts of caffeine. The most common symptom of withdrawal is a headache. It is well recognised that many persons may experience mild, temporary effects, including headache, restlessness, and irritability when their daily intake is quickly and substantially altered. To avoid these effects withdrawal should be gradual.
One should progressively decrease caffeine intake instead of stopping abruptly. Unlike most addictive drugs, caffeine does not stimulate an appetite for increasing doses. Relatively few people experience caffeine intoxication, most people seem to regulate their caffeine intake well enough to spare themselves unpleasant side effects.
Taking all the above facts into
consideration, caffeine, when consumed in moderation, is unlikely to have any
adverse effects on the health of most healthy individuals.
- Contributed by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute
