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Caffeine consumption and addiction: Affects it has among our population.

Mia DiGeronimo
Nutrition 2200

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Caffeine is the most used chemically addictive drug in the world. Coffee and tea
are two of the most widely used drinks among adults in the world for the purpose of the
amount of caffeine they have. Caffeine is a part of most adults daily routine, but it is
starting to become more popular for children and teens as well. This drug has some
positive and negative affects on the consumers health. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, too
much caffeine can have detrimental effects on the blood sugar, but having the right
amount of caffeine can have some positive affects. Heavy coffee and/or caffeine drinkers
can become dependant on it and over time become fatigued after they drink it rather than
feeling energized. There are also some serious negative affects of mixing alcohol with
caffeine. Caffeine affects some functions of the body including metabolism, and blood
pressure. Drinking caffeinated beverages with sugar can contribute to weight gain, and
other physical and psychological problems especially in children and teens.
To understand these affects that caffeine has on your body, you first need to
understand how caffeine works. Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid
and a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant. To further break apart the
definition, xanthine is a purine base found in most human body tissues and fluids and is
responsible for stimulation. Alkaloid is a group of naturally occurring chemical
compounds that contain basic nitrogen atoms. When caffeine enters the body, it is
rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributes rapidly in all tissues
including brain (Akash, 2013). The xanthine in the caffeine stimulates the xanthine in
your tissues resulting in alertness and energy. Another thing that caffeine does is block
adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a chemical that is responsible for drowsiness because

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it slows down nerve cell activity. Caffeine takes about 45 minutes to be absorbed in the
membranes of your mouth, throat, and stomach, entering the bloodstream. In humans,
the half-life for caffeine is anywhere from 4 to 6 hours which explains why the average
energy drink or coffees effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours. When caffeine enters the body, it
breaks down into three components: paraxanthine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Paraxanthine increases the breakdown of lipids, which ultimately leads to elevated
glycerol and free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Theobromine increases urine volume
because it dilates the consumers blood vessels and theophylline relaxes smooth muscles.
Caffeine is produced by a variety of beans, leaves and fruit. It is most commonly
found in coffee, black tea, and chocolate (Temple, 2009). Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of
caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. There is about 9-12 mg of
caffeine in a chocolate bar, depending on the type of chocolate (dark or milk). The
amount of caffeine in coffee or tea is dependant on the amount of time it is brewed. An 8
ounce brewed cup of coffee has 95-200 mg of caffeine. A decaffeinated 8-ounce cup of
coffee only has 2-12 mg of caffeine. A1 ounce restaurant-style espresso has 47-75 mg of
caffeine. 8 ounces of black tea has about 14-70 mg of caffeine and 8 ounces of green tea
has bout 24-45 mg of caffeine (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010). Approximately 90% of adults
report regular caffeine use (Temple, 2009).
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is when the body produces too much glucose and
commonly causes insulin resistance. There have been several studies to show the
relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and coffee and/or caffeine intake. Shortterm administration of coffee may impair insulin resistance and glucose tolerance by
blocking the effects of adenosine A1 receptor relating glucose uptake in skeletal muscles;

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however, results from several epidemiologic studies show that long-term and habitual use
of coffee may help maintain normal glucose tolerance and improve insulin sensitivity
(Akash, 2013). It is important to emphasize that regular, not short caffeine consumption
can induce glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity. The two highest components of
coffee are caffeine and CGA (Chlorogenic Acids). Both of these components have been
proven to reduce the levels of plasma glucose and hepatic glucose production, which
ultimately reduce the symptoms of hyperglycemia.
Caffeine may act as an analgesic or painkiller, but chronic repetitive exposures to
caffeine increase the risk of analgesic headache, chronic daily headache, or physical
dependency. The chemical is both water and fat-soluble which allows it to penetrate the
blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. Coffee, tea, soda, or energy drink addicts have
actually changed their brains chemistry and physical characteristics over time by
consuming caffeine on a daily basis. The most notable change is that brain cells grow
more adenosine receptors, which is the brains attempt to maintain equilibrium in the face
of a constant onslaught of caffeine, with its adenosine receptors so regularly plugged
(studies indicate that the brain also responds by decreasing the number of receptors for
norepinephrine, a stimulant). This explains why regular coffee drinkers build up a
tolerance over time because you have more adenosine receptors, it takes more caffeine
to block a significant portion of them and achieve the desired effect (Stromberg, 2013).
If an addict is trying to break his or her addiction to caffeine, they will experience
withdrawal effects such as very bad headaches and severe fatigue. This is because their
brain has such a high number of adenosine receptors. It takes about 7-12 days without

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consuming any caffeine for the brain to naturally lose adenosine receptors on each cell. If
the addict can get through this period, their addiction will be broken.
Studies have confirmed that caffeine affects heart rate and blood pressure by
binding to adenosine receptors. The inhibition of adenosine action results in elevated
norepinephrine release and vasoconstriction. After one hour of caffeine ingestion,
consumers blood pressure has increased by 10 to 20 mmHg. It does not directly affect
cardiac output or myocardial contractility, but it increases systemic vascular resistance.
The elevation of blood pressure in association with the intake of caffeine (200-300 mg)
in already hypertensive individuals has been investigated in several trials, which are
unanimous in detecting slight increases in both systolic and diastolic pressure for up to 3
hours after caffeine ingestion, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis
(Cano-Marquina, 2013). These effects are not long-term effects. After 1-4 days of
regular consumption a tolerance develops, with blood pressure returning to previous
levels (Schaffer, 2014). There are some studies that show that regular, high levels of
caffeine consumption may link to an increased risk in cardiovascular disease. However,
there are also studies that show no relationship between cardiovascular disease and
caffeine. It is a topic that is still being studied. However, high levels of caffeine are
related to calcium excretion and bone loss, which may contribute to osteoporosis
(Temple, 2009). Children and teens need to be careful of the frequency of caffeine
consumption since their bones are not fully developed.
Moreover, consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks is a recent trend in young
adults. Young adults and adolescents are key risk groups who combine alcohol with
energy drinks to intoxicate themselves and to reduce alcohols sedating effects. Although

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this method known as, wide-awake drunkenness masks the depressant side effects of
alcohol it impairs the consumers ability to estimate the level of intoxication. A study
was done to test any harm done to consumers physiological, psychological, cognitive
and motor skills while drinking caffeine and alcohol. Physiologically, consumers who
simultaneously drank alcohol and caffeine reported higher odds of tremors and irregular
heart beat. However, it lowered the odds of nausea, difficulty walking, vision difficulty
and a hangover. Drinking caffeine and alcohol affected speech by lowering the odds of
slurred speech, but increasing the odds of speech speed. Not only does drinking alcohol
with caffeine increased stimulation and decreases sedation implications, it also affects the
persons mood. Participants reported higher odds of feeling irritable and lower odds of
feeling calm, carefree, friendly or social. Drinking alcohol with caffeine increases risktaking behavior because it lowers sedative effects and makes the person feel less
intoxicated.
Although caffeine is recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, it
is an addictive substance that can lead to health issues due to over consumption. The
FDA does not have a standard for what is considered a safe amount of caffeine for
children. The safety of caffeine use among children is understudied and poorly
understood. Given that some caffeine-containing beverages are marketed directly to
children and that caffeine use is on the rise among children. Since 1977, there has been a
70% increase in caffeine consumption among children and adolescents (Temple, 2009).
The average daily intake of caffeine consumption in children is about one half the
concentration of caffeine in adults. This puts children and adolescents at high risk for
developing types of high-risk behaviors such as sleep dysfunction, obesity, dental caries,

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and earlier risk of osteoporosis. The most popular caffeinated beverages among this age
group is soda, however, coffee and energy drinks are becoming more popular. Products
such as, caffeinated water and chewing gum are being marketed to children as well.
Because children, and adolescents are not fully grown, caffeine may negatively
affect them in different ways that it would affect adults. For example, proper nutrition
and sleeping patterns are vital for this age group. Caffeine disrupts sleeping patterns and
because soda is the most popular caffeinated beverage among children and teens, they are
at a higher risk for dental caries, poor diet, and excess weight. The intake of these
preferable beverages among teens can change their taste preferences for sweet foods
when they enter adulthood, which can ultimately lead to overweight and obesity.
Although studies have confirmed that the consumption of caffeine has lead to weight loss
in animals, it has contributed to weight gain in humans because of the vehicle in which
caffeine is delivered. Children and teens usually consume caffeine with high amounts of
sugar. Studies show that children who consume more servings of soda per week also
consume fewer servings of milk, fruits, and vegetables (Temple, 2009).
Studies highlight the need for more research on energy drinks and energy drink
components to determine their relative costs versus benefits for health and performance
(Temple, 2009). Research is being done to see how children or teens can consume an
adequate amount of caffeine to fulfill their wants but without causing psychological, or
physiological harm. Research on setting a standard amount of caffeine for children and
teens is in the works. Consumers just need to be educated on what their daily
consumption of beverages can do to their body. Caffeine consumption can be beneficial
in some ways, like the effects it has on Type 2 Diabetes patients. However, it can also

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have negative effects especially in children and teens. Children and teens may be more
susceptible to caffeine intoxication, which can lead to harmful physiological and
psychological effects in the future. Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to highrisk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and drug use. Mixing caffeine with alcohol is a
dangerously popular trend that can alter the consumers level of intoxication. Young
consumers need to take the fact that what they take in now, can affect their health and
wellness when they enter adulthood more seriously. However, at this point, more
research needs to be conducted on caffeine use among this age group to fully understand
long-term effects of caffeine consumption during this time of growth and development.

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References
Cano-Marquina, A. (2013). The impact of coffee on health. Maturitas, 75(1). Retrieved
November 2, 2014, from Web of Science.
Guessous, I. (2014). Blood pressure in relation to coffee and caffeine consumption.
Current Hypertension Reports, 16(9). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Web of
Science.
Kollmorgen, D. (2011, October 1). Metabolism of caffeine. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2014, May 13). Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more.
Retrieved November 4, 2014.
Sajid, M. (2014). Effects of coffee on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition, 30(7-8), 755759. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Web of Science.
Schaffer, S. (2014). Effect of taurine and potential interactions with caffeine on
cardiovascular function. Amino Acids, 46(5). Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
Web of Science.
Shapiro, R. (2008). Caffeine and headaches. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 12(4).
Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Web of Science.
Stromberg, J. (2013, August 9). This is how your brain becomes addicted to caffeine.
Retrieved November 4, 2014.
Temple, J. (2009). Caffeine use in children: What we know, what we have left to learn,
and why we should worry. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 33(6), 793806. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from Web of Science.

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