Caffeine
The effects, the risks, the law.
The effects:
- In moderate doses (150-250mg) caffeine counters drowsiness, and fatigue;
- It can help prevent boredom and tiredness interfering with performance on manual and mental tasks;
- Larger doses can sometimes impair performance. There may also be increased levels of alertness and anxiety;
- Can increase heart rate and blood pressure, even breathing.
The risks:
- Consuming 500-600mg of caffeine per day (roughly seven cups of instant coffee) is considered excessive, and can have adverse effects;
- Increases sensitivity and sensor, disturbances (ringing in the ears or light flushes);
- Insomnia, muscle tremor, nausea, and diarrhoea may result;
- Caffeine can aggravate high blood pressure and ulcers
- Largely psychological dependence may arise in cases of heavy, long-term use;
- Tolerance can develop, while cutting out regular intakes of caffeine can lead to users feeling less alert, more drowsy and irritable;
- Regular drinkers may feel fatigued if they miss out coffee from their usual routine. Death from overdose is possible, but would take 100 cups of coffee;
- Researchers at the University of Washington found that combining large quantities of caffeine and paracetamol together may increase the risk of liver damage. One to be aware of next time you go for the coffee and pills hangover cure;
- If you are concerned about any of the above, consult your doctor (GP).
The law:
Caffeinated drinks and caffeine pills (such as ProPlus) are sold without restriction.
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