Caffeine

All about caffeine

Caffeine is found in many foods, beverages and medications. Following absorption, caffeine is directed to the brain where it stimulates the nervous system. It also stimulates the heart and increases smooth muscle relaxation. As smooth muscles regulate the flow of blood through the body, this can affect an individual's blood flow.

For more information, see Caffeine.

Caffeine Calculator

Caffeine is a stimulant which can temporarily increase alertness and improve mood. However, when consumed in excess it may have negative health affects. You can use this tool to calculate your daily caffeine intake.

Click here to complete the Caffeine calculator

Caffeine consumption in adults

Research shows that most adults can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, without negatively affecting their health in terms of toxicity (poisoning), cardiovascular health, bone and calcium status, behaviour, cancer, or male fertility.

For more information, see Caffeine Consumption in Adults.

Caffeine consumption in children

Caffeine is the only psychoactive drug (drug which affects the mind or mood) that is legally available to children and adolescents. While caffeine is generally considered safe for consumption in moderation, concerns have been raised about the health effects of children consuming large quantities of caffeine.

For more information, see Caffeine Consumption in Children.

Pregnancy and caffeine consumption

High levels of caffeine intake during pregnancy are potentially harmful. It is recommended that pregnant women restrict their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day to reduce the risk of adverse affects to the pregnancy and the foetus.

For more information, see Pregnancy and Caffeine Consumption.

Caffeine and breastfeeding

Many women feel excessively tired and stressed in the breastfeeding period, as at this time they are also adapting to the lifestyle changes associated with having a newborn baby. Some women may use caffeine to increase alertness and relieve fatigue, without considering that caffeine is a drug which may adversely affect their baby's health.

For more information, see Caffeine Consumption While Breastfeeding.

More information

For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.