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Perspectives on the Safety of Caffeine

As published by the International Food Information Council

October 1994

1. What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of more than 60 plants. These include coffee and cocoa beans, kola nuts and tea leaves, which are used to make many favorite beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks, and foods such as chocolate. Caffeine also is extracted from plants and manufactured synthetically for use as a flavor in some food products.

2. How does the body react to caffeine?

Caffeine is a mild stimulant. People differ greatly in their innate sensitivity to caffeine. Whereas many individuals can drink several cups of coffee within an hour and notice no effects, others may feel some effect after one serving.

Caffeine does not accumulate in the bloodstream or body and is normally excreted within several hours following consumption.

In sensitive individuals, tests show that caffeine can quicken reaction time and prolong vigilance of various demanding tasks. Many people, such as shift workers and college students studying late at night, find caffeine-containing beverages can help them stay alert to finish their work.

3. Does caffeine pose health concerns?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted research and reviewed the extensive scientific literature on caffeine. In a Federal Register notice published in May 1987, FDA stated that the agency had reviewed "studies on teratology, reproduction behavior, carcinogenicity, and cardiovascular disease...but found no evidence to show that use of caffeine in carbonated beverages would render these beverages injurious to health."

The American Medical Association (AMA) has examined the research on caffeine and come to a similarly confident position on its safety. A 1984 report, reaffirmed in January 1994, from the AMA Council on Scientific Affairs stated, "Moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption) are moderate, as well."

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