Health problems linked to excessive caffeine consumption

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says that consuming too much caffeine on a regular basis may be damaging to your health.
Some issues identified include elevated blood pressure, heart problems, insomnia and panic attacks. These are the more common health issues linked to excess caffeine consumption.
According to the Agency many people exceed the safe limit due to their lack of knowledge regarding the actual sources of caffeine.
Energy drinks, soft drinks, teas, colas, chocolate, coffee are the more popular sources of the drug. Caffeine is a popular stimulant that many use to remain alert but brings with it serious side effects dependent on individual differences and tolerance.
The EFSA assessed all the evidence to determine safe consumption levels finding that 400mg a day in healthy adults usually has no negative consequences.
This tied in with guidelines in many countries but the EFSA warned that many people are still consuming too much caffeine.
Evidence suggests that 33 per cent of Danes, 17 per cent of people living in the Netherlands and 14 per cent in Germany consume more than the 400mg safe limit. In pregnant women the “safe limit” is much lower at 200mg considering safety to the unborn child.
The ESFA has recommended 3mg per day for every kilogram a child weighs in the absence of reliable data on safe limits for children.
Elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, tremors, nervousness, panic attacks and insomnia were the main health issues linked to exceeding the safe daily limit for caffeine.
Approximate caffeine content of commonly consumed items:
Cup of filtered coffee – 90mg Standard energy drink – 80mg Espresso – 80mg Cup of tea – 50mg Can of cola – 40mg Bar of dark chocolate – 25mg Bar of milk chocolate – 10mg