Caffeine
KEY WORDS Caffeine, coffee, tea, cocoa, stimulant, energy, pregnancy
WHAT IS IT?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in tea, coffee, cocoa and cola as well as some other plant based foods such as guarana. It can also
be produced synthetically and used as an additive in 'energy type drinks'. Foods containing caffeine have been used for medicinal purposes for
thousands of years. Indigenous tribes in Africa and South America used it in the form of coffee and cocoa. Caffeine is one of the most commonly
consumed stimulants in the world. Absorbed easily and rapidly by both the stomach and small intestine, it then circulates throughout the whole body,
including the brain. Like everything, caffeine should be consumed in moderate amounts.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and low doses (i.e. 20-200 mg) are generally associated with mood effects, such as feelings of increased
energy, efficiency, self-confidence, alertness, motivation and concentration. However, it has also been reported that caffeine, even in low doses, in
some people may reduce the quality of life. It seems that these effects diminish with regular consumption.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I HAVE?
As caffeine is not an essential component of a normal diet there are no Recommended Dietary Intakes. There are currently no recognized health standards
for intake such as Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or a safety limit established for caffeine exposure.
Whilst research supports that a caffeine intake of up to 400 mg/day is not associated with an adverse effects in healthy adults, 3mg per kilogram
weight is the level generally accepted as the recommended limit of caffeine intake for adults.
Australian adults generally consume about 232mg of caffeine per day per person from all sources. The table below will help you work out your caffeine
intake from some of the most common sources.
CAFFEINE CONTENT OF COMMONLY CONSUMED FOODS & DRINKS
| Food |
Caffeine per serve |
Serving size |
| Coffee, espresso |
78mg |
40mL cup |
| Coffee, instant |
60-80mg |
250mL cup |
| Tea |
10-50mg |
250mL cup |
| Cola soft drink |
50 mg |
375mL can |
| Energy drink |
80mg |
250mL can |
| Milk chocolate drink |
4.6mg |
20g in 200mL milk |
| Chocolate, dark |
11mg |
20g piece |
| Chocolate milk |
4mg |
20g piece |
PEOPLE WHO NEED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WITH CAFFEINE
- Pregnant women may have concerns about their caffeine intake. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand advise that pregnant women should
limit their daily caffeine consumption to 3 cups of instant style coffee or 1 express style coffee or 4 cups of tea or 4 cans (375ml) of cola beverage
per day. Energy drinks with caffeine are not recommended.
- A small number of people are 'caffeine sensitive' and experience increased effects from caffeine. These people should seek advice from their
doctor about their safe intake of caffeine.
- People with heart conditions should also discuss caffeine intake with their health care professional
Note:
In most cases caffeine-free alternatives are available for people who are unable to consume caffeine.
This fact sheet contains general information and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional
for specific advice for your personal situation.
If you would like current information about our products please go to www.nestle.com.au/products or call our Consumer Services Department during business hours on 1800 025 361.
REFERENCES
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Fact Sheets Caffeine June 2010
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/factsheets/factsheets2010/caffeinejune2010.cfm
Smith PF, et al. Report from the working group on the safety aspects of dietary caffeine. Australia New Zealand Food Authority (now FSANZ), June 2000.
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/EWG_Dietary_caffeine.pdf
Armstrong L., Casa D., Maresh C. and Ganio M. Caffeine, fluid-electrolyte balance,
temperature regulation, and exercise-heat tolerance. Exerc. Sport Sci Rev, July 2007, Vol. 35,
No. 3, 135-140 Fredholm, B.B., Battig, K., Holman, J., Nehlig, A. and Zvartau, E.E. (1999) Actions of caffeine in the brain with special reference to
factors that contribute to its widespread use. Pharmacological Reviews. 51: 83-133.
Caffeine Sources: NUTTAB Australian Food Composition Tables. FSANZ 2006.
Heckman MA et al. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) in foods: a comprehensive review on consumption, functionality, safelty, and regulatory matters.
J Food Sci Apr 2010 Vol 75 (3): R77-87
Waugh EJ et al Risk factors for low bone mass in healthy 40-60 year old women: a systematic review of the literature. Osteoporosis Jan 2009 , 20(1)
1-21
Aden U Methylxanthines during pregnancy and early postnatal life. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2011: (200) 373-89Jahanfar S and Sharifah H Effects of restricted
caffeine intake by mother on fetal, neonatal and pregnancy outcome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev Apr 2009 15;(2): CD00965
Dietary Refernce Intakes: Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Supfate. Institute o the National Academies 2004. http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2004/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-Water-Potassium-Sodium-Chloride-and-Sulfate.aspx
Nawrot et al 2003 'Effects of caffeine on human health', Food Addit Contam, 20, 1-30.