Caffeine - A Quick Breakdown
- Jan 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 20, 2023
Translated Version:
Abstract:
As the title suggests, this paper aims to provide a quick break down on caffeine, a drug that some of us consume regularly in the form of drinks such as coffee or tea. This paper will also give a quick summary of how caffeine gives us that feeling of alertness and briefly touch on the pros and cons of caffeine. It will also touch on whether humans can survive consuming pure caffeine.
Outline:
Structure of Caffeine
How Caffeine affects us
Safe daily consumption of Caffeine
Benefits of Caffeine
Costs of Caffeine and Side Effects
Interaction with other common substances
Implications of pure caffeine
Structure of Caffeine:
The image is the skeletal formula of caffeine, C8H10N4O2. It has the IUPAC name 1, 3, 7-Trimethylpurine-2, 6-dione.
How Caffeine affects us:
Caffeine blocks the action of the chemical phosphodiesterase. This in turn halts the breakdown of cAMP(cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate). This will thus prompt norepinephrine and epinephrine to increase both the rate and the of the heart’s muscular contractions. The chemicals also send signals that initiate a “fight or flight” behaviour, increasing the blood pressure and oxygen supply to the brain and other tissues in the body. Caffeine also blocks our adenosine receptors in the brain, giving us the feeling of wakefulness.
Safe Daily Consumption of Caffeine:
In the US, most adults tend to consume about 135 milligrams of caffeine daily. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) considers 400 milligrams ofc affeine (roughly 4 cups of brewed coffee) a day a safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults to consume. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynarcologists, pregnant women should restrict their in take to 200 milligrams of caffeine(roughly 2 cups of brewed coffee) a day. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, children under 12 years of age should not consume any food or drink substances containing caffeine. For adolescents 12 years and older, they should limit their intake to 100 milligrams a day.
Benefits of Caffeine:
As a stimulant, caffeine promotes greater firing of neurons and improves various brain functions, such as memory, mood, energy levels and general cognitive function. Some studies even show links to decreasing risks of Dementia and Alzheimer's.
Costs of Caffeine and Side Effects:
As mentioned at the start of this paper, caffeine is a drug and therefore, it can cause dependency. Those who try to quit may suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. Caffeine is also known to increase levels of anxiety and disturbs an individual's sleep cycle as the effects of caffeine from daytime consumption often spill over to the night.
Within 1 hour of consuming caffeine, it hits its peak level in the blood and the effects last for about 4 to 6hours. The effects of caffeine are dependent on each individual, but the common side effects are as follows.
Being a diuretic, caffeine helps your body get rid of extra salt and water, resulting in increased urination.
Increases the release of acid into the stomach, causing an upset stomach or heartburn.
Interferes with the body's absorption of calcium.
Stimulates your Central Nervous System, giving you a boost of energy and making you feel more awake.
Increases one's blood pressure.
One should consider limiting their intake if any of the following symptoms are present.
Insomnia
Anxiety
Irritability
Stomach Discomfort
Muscle Tremors
Interaction with other common substances:
Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine is a stimulant while alcohol is a depressant. As such, when taken together, the caffeine masks the effects of alcohol, making the individual feel more alert. Hence, they would consume even more alcohol and become more impaired than they realise, causing the risk of alcohol- related harms to increase significantly. Caffeine does not affect the liver's metabolism of alcohol and thus is incapable of sobering up an individual and reducing impairment caused by alcohol.
Caffeine and Other Stimulant Drugs
Both caffeine and other stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine speed up the nervous system. Hence, taking both together could cause serious problems including an increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Caffeine and Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills may decrease the rate at which the body breaks down the caffeine and can thus cause jitteriness, headaches, fast heartbeat and other side effects.
Caffeine and Medications for Diabetes
Caffeine may either increase or decrease blood sugar levels. Taking some diabetes medication with caffeine may alter the effects of the diabetes medication. As such, close monitoring of blood sugar is required and a change in the dosage of diabetes medication may be required.
Implications of Pure Caffeine:
One teaspoon of pure caffeine is equal to about 25 cups of coffee. The recommended dose, is 1/16th of a teaspoon. Due to its high potency, individuals have gone into a coma and subsequently died from caffeine overdose.
Citation:
(Cover image source: Healthy For Life Meals)
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