Caffeine is the world\u2019s most popular psychostimulant, used to enhance physical and mental performance. We previously discussed a range of health benefits and potential side effects of caffeine. In this post, you will learn everything about caffeine sources, dosage, and metabolism and hear what others have to say about this famous pick-me-up.<\/p>\n
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There are various sources of caffeine<\/a>; each has a different caffeine content depending on the product types and production methods [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n There are various ways to produce decaffeinated beverages. Although many people think decaf coffee and tea is healthier, the process used to make it is far from natural.<\/p>\n The methods steam the coffee beans or tea leaves and add chemicals and solvents to the beans (including activated charcoal<\/a>, carbon dioxide, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane).<\/p>\n Depending on the method, decaffeinated coffee can still contain small amounts of caffeine [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Currently, researchers are developing genetically engineered coffee plants with reduced caffeine levels [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The half-life of a drug means the amount of time for the concentration of the drug in the blood or body to reduce to 50% of its original levels. The average half-life of caffeine is 5 hours, but it can range from 2 – 9.5 hours and depends on the individual [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The human body readily absorbs caffeine, and it is 99% absorbed 45 minutes after ingestion. Peak levels in the blood occur between 15-120 minutes [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Smoking can quicken caffeine metabolism, while oral contraceptives can keep it in the body for a longer period of time [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caffeine can be absorbed through the buccal mucosa (the inside lining of the cheeks and the floor of the mouth). It means that you can absorb it without swallowing [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caffeinated chewing gums have quicker absorption of caffeine, followed by capsules, coffee, soda, and chocolate [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caffeine metabolism occurs mainly in the liver. The main pathway is the formation of paraxanthine and its subsequent excretion into the urine in that form. It is also excreted in the urine in its normal form, or as different metabolism products (theophylline, uric acid, and uracil) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It can also be excreted through breast milk, but only in small amounts [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The below doses may not apply to you personally. If your doctor suggests using caffeine, work with them to find the optimal dosage according to your health condition and other factors.<\/i><\/p>\n There is no single recommended dosage as it should tailor to individual differences, their genetic variability and their history with caffeine. An effective dose can range from 32 to 1,400 mg [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Medium doses (225-360 mg) were effective at improving physical performance, while 100-600 mg can help improve brain performance [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, doses above 250 mg can cause symptoms that mimic anxiety<\/b>. Additionally, prolonged use of at least 100 mg\/day can cause tolerance and\/or dependence [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although there is no significant evidence that caffeine consumption can harm reproductive health or cause miscarriages, doctors still recommend pregnant women to refrain from drinking too much<\/b> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although caffeine overdose is rare, it can happen. Caffeine toxicity can occur at 1 g while 5-10 grams can cause death [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n
Decaffeinated Coffee and Teas<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Caffeine Metabolism<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Caffeine Dosage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Overdose and Toxicity<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n