However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children and adolescents avoid sources of caffeine and other stimulants, especially in sports or energy drinks. The FDA have not set a safe dose of caffeine for children and adolescents. Pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, and those taking certain medications should consult a doctor to find out how much caffeine is safe for them. Other people may break down caffeine slowly and feel prolonged effects after consumption. However, some people may have a higher sensitivity to the effects of caffeine than others.įor example, certain health conditions and medications can make people more sensitive to caffeine. In most people, this amount is not generally associated with any dangerous or negative effects. These are involved in:Īging shifts the balance of adenosine receptors in different regions of the brain, which impacts sleep and the effects of caffeine.Īccording to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), healthy adults may consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day. With age, researchers suggest that alterations to adenosine receptors contribute to worse sleep indicators.Ĭaffeine’s main targets are a person’s adenosine receptors. Studies have demonstrated that even when controlling for insomnia-related variables that occur with age, older adults are more sensitive to the insomnia effects of caffeine.Ĭompared with younger adults, middle-aged and older adults seem to be more sensitive to 400 mg of caffeine, even when there are no differences in metabolism. One factor that may contribute to the influence of coffee and caffeine consumption on sleep is older age. Drinking an energy drink instead of an electrolyte sports drink may result in the ingestion of a large dose of caffeine. These groups are more at risk of unintentionally consuming higher doses of caffeine because they are usually unaware of the difference between energy drinks and sports drinks. Children and adolescents can also develop a physical dependence on caffeine. Children and adolescents should not drink stimulant-containing beverages, however.Ĭaffeine may impact the neurological development and cardiovascular systems of young people. Some companies market caffeinated drinks to children and adolescents for a variety of purposes. This can impair oxygen delivery to the growing fetus. Women who consume a lot of coffee may cause constriction of the blood vessels supplying the placenta and increased fetal heartbeat. High levels of caffeine can affect the developing fetus. As a result, pregnant women should be aware of their consumption of caffeine. Pregnancy makes it harder for a woman’s kidneys to clear caffeine. Therefore, the fetus relies on the woman’s kidneys to clear caffeine from its body. Other sources state that 300 mg per day is likely not associated with side effects during pregnancy.ĭuring pregnancy, caffeine travels across the placenta, and the developing fetus cannot eliminate this substance. Most experts agree that consuming fewer than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, which is the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee, is generally safe for most pregnant women. Some groups may wish to limit or avoid caffeine altogether to prevent complications or dangerous effects. For example, older adults may be more sensitive to its effects on sleep. Some people are more susceptible to caffeine sensitivity than others. Several factors may contribute to the differences in caffeine sensitivity from person to person. However, people with caffeine sensitivity may experience continued elevations in blood pressure. Usually, caffeine causes a temporary rise in blood pressure that disappears with repeated consumption. Other people are more sensitive to the long-term effects of caffeine. This means that it takes their bodies longer to get rid of caffeine. For example, some people are slow metabolizers of caffeine. Some researchers suggest that the cause of caffeine sensitivity may occur at the receptor level, where caffeine binds, or at the level of metabolism. People with anxiety or panic disorder may experience a worsening of their symptoms after consuming caffeine. Some people are sensitive to the anxiety-promoting effects of caffeine, while others are more sensitive to caffeine-induced insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Caffeine blood pressure