Caffeine is an essential ingredient of many drinks that we consume daily. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and belongs to the methylxanthine class (Stimulants). Caffeine activates various parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as well. It may be important to know Caffeine Contents for coffee and other drinks to prevent any caffeine-related health problems.

The taste of caffeine is bitter and is white in appearance. It is found naturally in the coffee bean, a seed of the coffee plant. This plant is indigenous to America, Africa, and East Asia.

Caffeine is a frequently used psychoactive substance in the world. It has wide use in our daily life. It is the only drug approved by FDA and is used legally in any kind of drink. 

Caffeine has both positive and negative effects. It can be used to treat tiredness, headache, migraine, and it also manages drowsiness.

It can also prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (infant lung disease that obstructs the airflow) and apnea (difficulty in breathing) in infants.

Now, here are few questions that come to the mind of everybody. How much is the quantity of caffeine safe for us? How much its amount is present in different drinks? What are the harmful consequences of caffeine on our bodies? Before exploring these questions, let us understand how does caffeine works in our body.

Mechanism of Action of Caffeine: What does caffeine do to your body?

Absorption and Digestion of Caffeine:

After you have consumed a drink/food that probably has caffeine, it goes to the stomach. Here, its contents are digested and absorbed. Caffeine, along with other elements of food, travels toward the liver.

In the liver, caffeine is broken down into smaller components. Taken by the blood, it is transferred to the cells where it will perform its roles. The primary target site of caffeine is the brain cells.

Effects of Caffeine on Adenosine Receptors:

The effects of caffeine are explained by various moods of action. The most prominent is that it reversibly inhibits the effects of adenosine on its receptors.

Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes the feeling of relaxation and makes you tired.

After getting entry into the brain, caffeine attaches to the adenosine receptors and blocks them. Thus, the inhibition of these receptors prevents drowsiness, sleepiness, and tiredness.

Effects of Caffeine on Adrenaline & Dopamine:

Adrenaline is a hormone produced by our brain (Medulla oblongata) and adrenal glands. It alerts us against any danger and stimulates our brains.

Caffeine act on these glands and causes them to release adrenaline. This, in return, releases other neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline.

This combination of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine produces a sensation of alertness, awakening and also helps in improving our concentration.

Uses of Caffeine:

Following are the benefits of caffeine:

• Caffeine acts as a CNS stimulant and improves performance and efficiency.
• It decreases fatigue and tiredness.
• It also affects cognitive functions and enhances memory and learning.
• It is used to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (infant lung disease that obstructs the airflow) and apnea (difficulty in breathing) in infants.
• It can also treat orthostatic hypotension, asthma and reduce cerebral palsy.
• Caffeine is also prescribed along with other pain killers like ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
• In the form of energy drinks, caffeine boosts overall physical production and stamina.
• It also tweaks muscle power, strength and increases metabolic rate.
• In the form of coffee, it reduces the chances of liver cirrhosis.

Adverse Effects of Caffeine:

Below are some harmful effects of caffeine that can be due to its over-consumption:

• Caffeine affects gastric acid secretion in the stomach and can decrease digestion.
• Caffeine can induce many psychiatric problems like anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and reduced coordination.
• At higher doses, caffeine can also cause depression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts.
• Regular consumption of caffeine more than 400 mg can cause dependency (habit-forming) and addiction.
• It is used to treat headaches, migraine but too much consumption can contraindicate the benefits and may also induce hypertension.
• Caffeine can also interact with few medicines like antidepressants and muscle relaxants. Using the combination of these medications plus caffeine can increase the effects of these drugs.
• Caffeine is one of those drugs that can cross the placental barrier and can cause miscarriage. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their caffeine intake.

If you are using any other medications or are planning to have a baby, consult your physician about your caffeine consumption. Always follow the directions of the doctor.

Caffeine Content in Various Drinks:

As per FDA regulations, daily consumption of caffeine up to 400 mg is considered safe for adults. Although, this safe limit varies from person to person.

No doubts caffeine has many beneficial effects, yet it can cause some side effects. Therefore, it is essential to have a proper check on your caffeine intake.

Let us have a look at various drinks that may consist of caffeine:

Water:

Water is an organic compound that is essential for any kind of life on earth. It is transparent, odorless, and tasteless in pure form. Water is obtained from various natural sources as well as it is also made synthetically in the lab.

Water does not have any caffeine contents in it. Different manufacturing companies add caffeine as per the requirement of the consumers.

The contents of caffeine in lab-made water are as follow:

Caffeine Contents in Tea Drinks:

A beverage that is obtained from the leaves of Camellia sinensis is called tea. It has a bitter, astringent taste and provides calmness to the mind. Due to the presence of caffeine, it stimulates the CNS and produces agility.

There are various types of tea drinks available in the market. Each one of them differs in the coffee contents.

The contents of caffeine in different tea drinks are as follows:

Caffeine Contents in Coffee & Espresso drinks:

Coffee is a brewed beverage that is obtained from coffee beans. It contains a high amount of caffeine contents and acts as a magnificent stimulant of the human nervous system. Coffee is dark in color, slightly acidic, and bitter.

Espresso is another brewing method of the coffee beans. Originally born in Italy, it is made by passing hot water under high pressure (130-150 psi) through coffee beans. Usually, espresso is thicker than coffee and dark in color.

The contents of caffeine in different Coffee and Espresso drinks are as follows:

Caffeine Contents in Soft drink:

As compared to hard drinks, soft drinks do not have alcohol in them. These drinks are carbonated waters and contain a high amount of sugar, fructose, and caffeine.

Soft drinks are not considered healthy for many people as they can cause obesity and diabetes mellitus.

The contents of caffeine in different soft drinks are as follows:

Caffeine Contents in Energy Drinks:

These drinks provide mental and physical energy as they contain high amounts of caffeine. Like soft drinks, they have high contents of sugar and can be carbonated.

Some drinks also have contents of alcohol and improve cognitive functions as well as efficiency.

The contents of caffeine in different energy drinks are as follows:

In Snack, Gums and Ice-cream Beverages:

Some snacks like chocolates, ice-creams, and gels also have a small amount of caffeine and act as stimulants. Added caffeine can improve cognitive functions and also enhances taste.

The contents of caffeine in different snacks are as follows:

Caffeine Contents in Over-the-counter (OTC) pills and supplements:

Some OTC pills and supplements are used to boost overall performance. They also increase stamina. One of the main ingredients of these supplements is caffeine, as it stimulates the CNS and provides extra energy to the body.

The contents of caffeine in different over-the-counter pills and supplements are as follows:

All this data has been collected from various sources between 2020-2021.

Keep in mind that these are standard values. Actual numbers may vary. Always consult your dietitian or nutritionist for proper guidelines.

Even though caffeine has many benefits, but it is not as safe as it is believed. Your dietitian can tell better about this. If you are not an athlete or a physical performer, a cup of coffee is more than enough for you.