by J.B. Doyle

Created on: July 09, 2011

The term “side effects” conjures up almost exclusively negative side effects in our minds. A side effect, however, is merely a secondary effect of something. Said effect can be either negative or positive. Caffeine is a substance which has both negative and positive side effects, the predominant of which I will highlight below. I will also discuss a few myths associated with caffeine.

Caffeine works as a stimulant. When caffeine is ingested, the central nervous system, muscles, the heart, and the centers for blood pressure control are energized. In most cases a cup or two of coffee will not produce negative side effects, but overindulgence can cause problems. Many are not aware that caffeine toxicity exists. Since caffeine does not build up in the bloodstream, nor does the body store it for later use, many of the side effects are temporary.

Caffeine and Children

According to some experts, caffeine use among children has increased seventy percent in the last thirty years. Many products other than energy drinks, which are targeted towards children, such as gum, candy bars, and even potato chips now contain caffeine.  The National Association of Mental Health performed a study on children between eight and eleven years old who consumed high amounts of caffeine on a regular basis. The children were found to be more restless by their teachers. One third of the tested children had hyperactivity symptoms high enough to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Another test, performed by Stanford on fifth and sixth graders discovered that children who normally ingested caffeine and were then deprived of it showed difficulty concentrating, lacked energy, and showed more irritability.

Overconsumption

Food labels are not required to list the amount of caffeine listed in any given product. So many products now contain caffeine that consumers no longer have a reliable way to track the amount of caffeine they are ingesting. A condition termed “caffeine intoxication” is one in which five or more of the following symptoms occur after recently ingesting caffeine: nervous or restless feelings, excitability, a flushed appearance, excessive urination, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and stomach or intestinal complaints. Massive doses of caffeine have been known to cause death. Over ten grams of coffee are considered to be a toxic dose of caffeine. Energy drinks and supplements should never be given to children under twelve years of age due to the possibility

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