How dangerous is caffeine?

Coffee is the most popular drink among Germans, surpassing even beer and water. However, other caffeinated beverages are also in demand: In addition to tea and cola, energy drinks are for e.g. in vogue among young people. It is physiologically undisputed that caffeine has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The ingestion of caffeine causes one to become temporarily more alert and concentrated. But, when does the consumption of caffeine lead to adverse effects and who is particularly at risk?

In high amounts, caffeine intake can cause nervousness and excitability, insomnia, sweating and heart palpitations. Excessive caffeine consumption over a long period of time may even cause cardiovascular problems such as elevated blood pressure.

Caffeine-sensitive individuals tolerate less than other people. And children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should be particularly cautious about caffeine or ideally avoid products with higher caffeine contents.

More on this in our science magazine: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/429/bfr2go_issue_2_2018_en_caffeine-in-food.pdf