Transcript Caffeine Consumption - International Food Information

All About Caffeine
.
Introduction
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Decades of scientific research on
all aspects of caffeine and health
yet….
Caffeine confusion persists
History of Caffeine
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2737 B.C.-- Chinese made tea using tea
leaves
575 A.D. -- Coffee originated in Africa
11th century -- Arabians consumed coffee
beverages
1519 -- Aztecs introduced chocolate to
Spanish explorers
1880s -- First caffeinated soft drinks
Caffeine Quick Facts
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Naturally found in leaves, seeds,
and fruits of plants
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Coffee, tea, chocolate and some
soft drinks
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Used as a flavoring agent
Caffeine Consumption
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Experts agree: moderation and
common sense are key
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Moderation = 300 mg; or about 3
cups of coffee
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Adult per capita consumption
approximately 200 mg daily (Food &
Chemical Toxicology, 1996)
Caffeine Metabolism
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Mild central nervous system
stimulant
Caffeine effects vary greatly
Caffeine excreted within several
hours of consumption
Dependence/Withdrawal
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Moderate caffeine consumption is
safe and should not be classified
with addictive drugs of abuse
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When regular caffeine
consumption is abruptly
discontinued, some people may
experience temporary withdrawal
symptoms
Caffeine & Performance
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May increase alertness and
enhance performance
Improved physical endurance
 Enhanced mental abilities
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Women’s Health
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Women wonder about safety of
caffeine-containing foods and
beverages
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Research supports moderate
consumption of caffeine for
consumers, including pregnant,
nursing, and post-menopausal
women
Caffeine & Reproductive
Health
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Fertility: No association between
total caffeine consumption and
reduced fertility
Miscarriage: Ongoing research and
numerous existing studies find no
evidence that moderate caffeine
intake has adverse effects on
pregnancy or pregnancy outcome
Breastfeeding
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1-3 cups of coffee a day OK
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3+ can lead to increased
wakefulness and poor feeding for
the baby
Breast Changes
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No association between caffeine
and breast changes, tumors, or
tenderness
Caffeine and Kids
• Except for infants, children
metabolize caffeine more rapidly
than adults
• However, pound for pound,
children are no more sensitive to
caffeine than adults
Questions About
Caffeine & Health Issues
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Osteoporosis: Adequate calcium
consumption, such as a small
amount of milk, offsets potential
effect of caffeine on bone density
Questions About
Caffeine & Health
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Heart Disease: Some people may
experience temporary and minor
rise in blood pressure, similar to
climbing a flight of stairs
Questions About
Caffeine & Health Issues
Hydration:
 Anecdotal reports that caffeine “causes
dehydration” exaggerate the facts
 Caffeine consumption does stimulate
mild diuresis, but this is usually offset by
the liquid with which it is typically
consumed
 Tolerance to caffeine reduces the chance
of fluid imbalance
What Products Contain
Caffeine—and How Much?
Milligrams Caffeine
Item
Typical
Range
 Coffee (8 oz)
100
60 – 180
 Tea (8 oz)
40
20 – 90
 Some soft drinks (8 oz)
24
20 – 40
 Cocoa beverage (8 oz)
6
3 – 32
 Chocolate milk (8 oz)
5
2– 7
 Milk chocolate (1 oz)
6
1 – 15
 Baker’s chocolate (1 oz)
26
26
What This Means to You
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Researchers continue to study
caffeine and health issues
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Overwhelming scientific evidence
shows caffeine consumption is
safe
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Moderation is key
Where to Find
Scientifically-Based
Information on Caffeine
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Health Canada Fact Sheet on Caffeine: http://www.hcsc.gc.ca/food-aliment/dg/e_caffeine.html
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US Food & Drug Administration:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html
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American Dietetic Association:
http://www.eatright.com/healthy/caffeine.html and
http://www.eatright.com/adap0699.html
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Duyff, R., American Dietetic Association Complete
Food and Nutrition Guide, 2nd Edition
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International Food Information Council Foundation:
http://ific.org
More Sources of Reliable
Information on Caffeine
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National Soft Drink Association:
http://www.nsda.org/WhatsIn/caffeinecontent.html
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National Coffee Association: www.ncausa.org
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Tea Council of the USA: www.teausa.com