It’s everywhere. Coffee, tea and sodas don’t surprise anyone. Fruit spritzers surprised me. Protein shakes aimed at athletes. Chocolate covered coffee beans and Perky Jerky. But is it a problem? It can be.
– The FDA recommends that adults don’t consume more than 400mg of caffeine a day which is 4-5 cups of coffee….or a little over one energy drink.
– The American Academy of Pediatrics says children and adolescents should not consume caffeine at all.
What’s the big deal? Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can cause: Irritability, confusion, headaches, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, jitters, diarrhea and of course, insomnia. The poison control centers are mostly worried about its effect on the heart. Large doses of caffeine can cause increased heart rates, increased blood pressures and even arrhythmia…the kind that can lead to death.
In April, Davis Cripe passed out at school and was sent to the hospital. It was only after his death that it was discovered that Davis had consumed a cafe latte, a large Mountain Dew and then a 16 oz energy drink.
The official cause of death was “caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia”.
It can have different effects on different people so there is not a recommendation of what is okay to consume.
Be careful. Perhaps try something else when you’re tired…like sleep.
Dr Badaracco
