Energy Drinks Caffeine

What is Caffeine?

We all know about the stimulating effect provided by caffeine. That is why it is used as a basic element of all energy drinks. But do you know that it is also considered the most widespread psychoactive drug? Approximately 90% of adults consume it every day because it obviously has certain benefits. But we shouldn’t forget about the consequences of overdose which are not always pleasant.

Literally caffeine is a chemical substance contained in different products. When purified, it turns into bitter white powder. It is used to provide both a distinctive taste and stimulating effect in soft drinks. It is so effective because of quick absorption and long lasting effect. The caffeine is completely absorbed within 30 to 40 minutes, but the effect will last more than 3 hours. Another benefit is that caffeine is not accumulated in the body. But even a short period of time is enough for caffeine to affect not only our mood and stamina but also the cerebral, gastric and colonic activity.

Sources of Caffeine

There are mainly two kinds of caffeine: natural and synthetic. Natural caffeine can be found in fruits, leaves, beans of more than 60 plants worldwide. It is the caffeine we get from coffee, tea and chocolate. Synthetic caffeine is artificial substitution of the natural one and is added to beverages, food, medications, and supplements. Energy drinks caffeine can be both natural and synthetic. Both kinds influence our organism in approximately the same way. The question is only about level of consumption. There are several levels of caffeine intake for adults:

• 130 mg per day is a low intake;
• 200 – 300 mg is considered to be a moderate intake;
• Above 400 mg per day is a high dose;
• More than 600 mg daily is heavy caffeine consumption.

The amount of energy drink caffeine is not required to be mentioned in the list of ingredients. It would be useful because there are energy drinks containing different amount of caffeine. A minimal amount of caffeine in 300 mg can is about 80 mg, and 150 mg for 500 mg can. Doctors recommend keeping the consumption of caffeine within the limit of low intake in order to avoid energy drinks health risks.