Caffeine: America’s Most Popular Drug
You drink it in the morning before work, before the gym, or before wanting to pull an all-nighter for an exam. Caffeine is present at almost any time of the day and around every block corner. Although caffeine may be everywhere all the time, what effect does it have on you and your body?
Behavioral Changes
Caffeine’s easy access and widespread use affect how people perceive the stimulant and how they may present their use of the drug. Low to moderate doses of caffeine have been shown to increase self-reported liking of the drug as well as other positive subjective effects, including increased well-being, energy, alertness, and sociability — drug effects that are qualitatively similar to some of the positive subjective effects produced by other stimulants (e.g., d-amphetamine and cocaine) (Meredith et. al). This social acceptance of caffeine has shown that incremental increases in dosage are also accepted by peers, adding to the lack of guilt or remorse from those who may understand that they have problems with caffeine use. Caffeine has also been shown to have powerful reinforcing effects, where there is an increased choice when it comes to caffeine versus a placebo.
Addiction and Predisposition
Caffeine has the same effect as many other drugs, where dependence and tolerance are affected by longer and higher dosage use with time. Sensitivity to the effects of caffeine after sleep deprivation; and the effects of caffeine on anxiety, sleep, blood pressure, and psychomotor vigilance are all associated with caffeine consumption of those with the A2A receptor gene polymorphism.
Recommended Doses?
Caffeine is currently recommended to be safe at up to 400 milligrams per day for healthy adults by the FDA. The term “healthy adult” is not always clearly defined, leading many individuals to use the term lightly. 400 milligrams is about four cups of coffee a day and 200 milligrams of caffeine per day is shown to have little to no effect on healthy individuals. Dosages that are higher than a person’s tolerance levels may lead to aggression, restlessness, insomnia, agitation, and in some cases convulsions and mild delirium. This balance between a healthy amount of caffeine and tolerance may make some individuals increase dosages with time beyond the healthy amount noted by the FDA.
Effects on the Brain
The main role of caffeine for those who consume it is the want for an “energy boost”. This energy boost is achieved by increased energy metabolism in the brain. Caffeine works by activating noradrenaline neurons, known to activate dopamine release locally (Nehlig et al.). Dopamine, also known as the “feel happy” neurotransmitter and hormone, strongly influences the perception of pleasure and happiness (Saripalli). The feeling of extra energy with the added pleasure stimulation from the dopamine release makes caffeine a strong and addictive stimulant that draws many individuals back to consuming more and more.
Effects on the Heart and Gut
Caffeine affects the body's vascular system, commonly known as a vasoconstrictor, restricting blood flow and increasing blood pressure to allow for increased blood flow from the periphery and more cerebral blood flow. These effects were not present in placebo and were shown to be very high in those with moderate to high caffeine (405–950 mg) usage at chronic levels (Addicott). Caffeine consumption directly impacts the use of the heart muscle, as decreased vascular width leads to increased pressure buildup and stronger regulation by the heart, increasing the odds of heart-related issues associated with high blood pressure, such as heart attacks and strokes. Caffeine has also been shown to stimulate colon muscle activity and increase pressure in the anus, increasing the urge to poop (Miller). It also has a diuretic effect which stems from caffeine’s increase in urine production, which may lead to dehydration in some individuals who may not be drinking sufficient amounts of water. Decreased retention of water and increased blood pressure is a dangerous combo for even healthy individuals, making caffeine usage a top priority when monitoring health issues associated with the heart.
Is Caffeine Worth it?
Caffeine being worth it is fully subjective to every person. For some, the effects on the brain and heart may be enough to turn them away. For others, the boosted energy state and strengthened focus may look appealing enough to continue or start consuming caffeine. Before caffeine usage, it would be best to speak to a doctor or physician who could better explain individual risks and benefits.
Work Cited
Addicott MA; Yang LL; Peiffer AM; Burnett LR; Burdette JH; Chen MY; Hayasaka S; Kraft RA; Maldjian JA; Laurienti PJ; “The Effect of Daily Caffeine Use on Cerebral Blood Flow: How Much Caffeine Can We Tolerate?” Human Brain Mapping, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19219847/#:~:text=Caffeine%20is%20a%20commonly%20used,the%20vasoconstrictive%20effects%20of%20caffeine.
Commissioner, Office of the. “Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much.
G;, Nehlig A;Daval JL;Debry. “Caffeine and the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms of Action, Biochemical, Metabolic and Psychostimulant Effects.” Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1356551/#:~:text=Caffeine%20activates%20noradrenaline%20neurons%20and,in%20locomotor%20activity%20in%20animals.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. “Safety of Caffeine Usage.” Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance: Formulations for Military Operations., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223789/#:~:text=Doses%20of%201%2C000%20mg%20.
Meredith, Steven E, et al. “Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda.” Journal of Caffeine Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777290/#:~:text=Importantly%2C%20caffeine%20has%20been%20shown,of%20adenosine%20at%20dopamine%20receptors.&text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20dopamine%20release,the%20addictive%20potential%20of%20caffeine.
Professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Dopamine: What It Is, Function & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine.
Rawpixel. “Aerial View of Various Coffee.” iStock, www.istockphoto.com/photo/aerial-view-of-various-coffee-gm938993594-256753647?searchscope=image%2Cfilm.
“Structural Chemical Formula Caffeine Molecule Roasted Stock Photo 1449328634.” Shutterstock, www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/structural-chemical-formula-caffeine-molecule-roasted-1449328634.
