The Dr. Elena Rivaa neurologist attached to the Clinical Neurology Program and head of the Neuro-rehabilitation Unit, writes about coffee consumption.
Coffee and tea are among the most consumed beverages in the world. Both contain caffeine, as do cocoa, mate, soft drinks and energy drinks. All this makes caffeine the most frequently consumed psychoactive substance.
The amount of caffeine contained in each of these beverages varies widely, from 32 mg in soft drinks, 28-47 mg in tea, 90-60 mg in coffee, to 200 mg in energy drinks. Coffee is the main source of caffeine consumption in adults and energy drinks in the younger population.
For genetic reasons, the metabolism of caffeine may vary from one person to another, which means that its effects may last longer or shorter. Tobacco accelerates its metabolism, however pregnancy and certain drugs (contraceptives, some antibiotics and antidepressants) can decrease its metabolism, increasing its half-life in the blood.
What are the effects of caffeine on the body?
Cognitive level:
Moderate doses of caffeine can reduce fatigue and improve alertness. However, its consumption at the end of the day facilitates insomnia.
In several studies conducted in the United States and Asia, it has been associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
It helps to reduce pain when associated with some analgesics.
At the renal level:
- It has a diuretic effect.
- May increase blood pressure in hypertensive patients. However, although it was traditionally thought that it could increase cardiovascular risk, recent studies show that chronic and moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, ischemic heart disease and vascular death.
Precautions to take into account when consuming caffeine
High doses of caffeine (> 200 mg) can produce anxiety, especially in more susceptible individuals. The abrupt suspension of chronic caffeine consumption can be accompanied by headache, especially in patients with migraine, fatigue and mood alteration, for several days. To avoid this, it is advisable to reduce it progressively.
Acute consumption of high doses, generally associated with alcoholic energy drinks in young people, can produce serious cardiovascular and neurological effects.
Pregnancy is a period of special vulnerability to the side effects of caffeine, since it decreases its metabolism and is able to cross the placenta. It has been associated with increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation and miscarriage.
