Effects of caffeine: A Synthesis of Findings from 90 Studies
- Home
- Effects of caffeine
This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Effects of caffeine: A Synthesis of Findings from 90 Studies", please consult your doctor.
For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
Major Research Findings
Caffeine has been shown to have various effects on the human body, including improvements in muscle strength, cognitive function, and alertness. 79 78 72 A study investigating the placebo effect of caffeine on muscle strength found that caffeine improved peak concentric force in the knee flexors and extensors. 79 However, the study also found that the expectation of caffeine's effects could actually negatively impact performance. This suggests that factors like motivation and personality can play a role in how caffeine affects individuals. 79 Another study found that caffeine can enhance attention and conflict monitoring, while also potentially offsetting the effects of alcohol on cognitive processes. 78 It's important to note that the impact of caffeine on performance is not always positive, and individual variability exists. 88 Additionally, caffeine consumption combined with sleep deprivation can negatively affect glucose homeostasis. 82 These studies highlight the complex and varied nature of caffeine's effects on the human body.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits Summary
Caffeine can enhance cognitive function, improve alertness, and potentially enhance athletic performance. 79 78 68 Caffeine may also help alleviate fatigue and improve mood. 60 Furthermore, caffeine may have potential benefits for those trying to reduce alcohol consumption. 78
Risks Summary
Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, digestive problems, and dehydration. 52 40 Caffeine can also elevate blood pressure, potentially exacerbating existing cardiovascular conditions. 70 41 Furthermore, caffeine can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur when consumption is reduced. 32 It's essential to be mindful of these potential risks and consume caffeine responsibly.
Comparison Across Studies
Similarities
Many studies consistently demonstrate caffeine's ability to enhance cognitive function, improve alertness, and potentially boost athletic performance. 79 78 68 Caffeine also seems to help alleviate fatigue and improve mood. 60 However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the effectiveness of caffeine varies greatly among individuals and is influenced by factors such as dosage and timing of consumption. 88 87
Differences
The impact of caffeine on athletic performance is not universally consistent. 68 87 This variability could be attributed to differences in exercise type, intensity, training status of participants, and caffeine dosage and timing. Additionally, studies have yielded conflicting results regarding caffeine's ability to counter the effects of alcohol. 78 66 This inconsistency may stem from variations in the type and amount of alcohol used, as well as individual differences in alcohol tolerance. The complex nature of caffeine's effects necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the research findings.
Consistency and Contradictions
Research consistently shows that caffeine's effects can vary significantly between individuals, and are influenced by factors such as dosage and timing of consumption. 88 87 Caffeine's impact on the body is complex, as it influences neurotransmitter and hormone levels, making it difficult to definitively pinpoint all the mechanisms involved. This complexity can lead to discrepancies in research findings. For instance, some studies show caffeine enhancing athletic performance, while others show it hindering performance. 68 87 These contradictions are likely due to variations in research methodology and participant characteristics.
Considerations for Real-World Application
While caffeine can potentially enhance cognitive function, improve alertness, and boost athletic performance, 79 78 68 its effects can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of individual sensitivity and health conditions. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to negative consequences such as insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, digestive problems, and dehydration. 52 40 Furthermore, caffeine can elevate blood pressure, potentially exacerbating cardiovascular issues. 70 41 Responsible caffeine consumption requires individual awareness and caution.
Limitations of Current Research
There are still many unanswered questions regarding the effects of caffeine on the human body. 88 87 For example, we need to understand how caffeine influences neurotransmitter and hormone release, the reasons for individual variability in response to caffeine, and the long-term impacts of caffeine consumption. Further research is necessary to address these unanswered questions.
Future Directions
To gain a more thorough understanding of caffeine's effects, research efforts should be directed towards exploring various aspects. 88 87 This includes investigating how caffeine affects neurotransmitter and hormone release, identifying the factors contributing to individual variability in caffeine response, and examining the long-term consequences of caffeine consumption. It's also essential to study the potential interactions between caffeine and other drugs. 31 This research will help us better understand the safe consumption of caffeine and its optimal applications.
Conclusion
Caffeine can potentially enhance cognitive function, improve alertness, and boost athletic performance. 79 78 68 However, the effectiveness of caffeine can vary significantly between individuals and is influenced by factors such as dosage and timing of consumption. 88 87 It's essential to be mindful of individual sensitivity and health conditions when consuming caffeine, and to avoid overconsumption. Moreover, caffeine can interact with other drugs. 31 Before consuming caffeine, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Article Type
Author: KeuchelI, KohnenR, LienertG A
Language : English
Author: JacobsonB H, Thurman-LaceyS R
Language : English
Author: FranceC, DittoB
Language : English
A comparison of the central nervous system effects of caffeine and theophylline in elderly subjects.
Author: YuG, MaskrayV, JacksonS H, SwiftC G, TipladyB
Language : English
Author: ChristensenL, MillerJ, JohnsonD
Language : English
Author: DenaroC P, BrownC R, JacobP, BenowitzN L
Language : English
Author: JamesJ E
Language : English
Author: Zwyghuizen-DoorenbosA, RoehrsT A, LipschutzL, TimmsV, RothT
Language : English
Author: ZahnT P, RapoportJ L
Language : English
Author: LokeW H
Language : English
Author: BoulengerJ P, SalemN, MarangosP J, UhdeT W
Language : English
Author: LiebermanH R, WurtmanR J, EmdeG G, CoviellaI L
Language : English
Author: BruceM, ScottN, LaderM, MarksV
Language : English
Author: LokeW H, MeliskaC J
Language : English
Author: StreufertS, PogashR, MillerJ, GingrichD, LandisR, LonardiL, SeversW, RoacheJ D
Language : English
Author: WarburtonD M
Language : English
Author: LindeL
Language : English
Author: MuehlbachM J, WalshJ K
Language : English
Author: HasenfratzM, BättigK
Language : English
Author: MumfordG K, EvansS M, KaminskiB J, PrestonK L, SannerudC A, SilvermanK, GriffithsR R
Language : English
Do double-blind studies with informed consent yield externally valid results? An empirical test.
Author: KirschI, RosadinoM J
Language : English
Author: PritchardW S, RobinsonJ H, deBethizyJ D, DavisR A, StilesM F
Language : English
Author: HöferI, BättigK
Language : English
Author: HughesJ R, OlivetoA H
Language : English
Author: SmithB D, DavidsonR A, GreenR L
Language : English
Illustrating caffeine's pharmacological and expectancy effects utilizing a balanced placebo design.
Author: LotshawS C, BradleyJ R, BrooksL R
Language : English
Author: KaplanG B, GreenblattD J, EhrenbergB L, GoddardJ E, CotreauM M, HarmatzJ S, ShaderR I
Language : English
Author: RobelinM, RogersP J
Language : English
Author: HäggS, SpigsetO, MjörndalT, DahlqvistR
Language : English
Author: JonesH E, HerningR I, CadetJ L, GriffithsR R
Language : English
Author: HindmarchI, RigneyU, StanleyN, QuinlanP, RycroftJ, LaneJ
Language : English
Author: QuinlanP T, LaneJ, MooreK L, AspenJ, RycroftJ A, O'BrienD C
Language : English
Author: LagardeD, BatéjatD, SicardB, TrocherieS, ChassardD, EnslenM, ChauffardF
Language : English
Author: HughesJ R, LiguoriA, DominickA, MacLaughlinM
Language : English
Author: HüppeA, JankeW
Language : German
Author: KeijzersGerben B, De GalanBastiaan E, TackCees J, SmitsPaul
Language : English
Author: WatsonJoanne, DearyIan, KerrDavid
Language : English
Author: BriceCarolyn F, SmithAndrew P
Language : English
Author: YeomansMartin R, RipleyTamzin, DaviesLaura H, RustedJennifer M, RogersPeter J
Language : English
Author: ScholeyAndrew B, KennedyDavid O
Language : English
Author: HaskellCrystal F, KennedyDavid O, WesnesKeith A, ScholeyAndrew B
Language : English
Author: HeatherleySusan V, HaywardRobert C, SeersHelen E, RogersPeter J
Language : English
Author: LaJambeCynthia M, KamimoriGary H, BelenkyGregory, BalkinThomas J
Language : English
Effects of caffeine on performance and mood: withdrawal reversal is the most plausible explanation.
Author: JamesJack E, RogersPeter J
Language : English
Author: DeslandesA C, VeigaH, CagyM, PiedadeR, PompeuF, RibeiroP
Language : English
Author: BarryRobert J, RushbyJacqueline A, WallaceMark J, ClarkeAdam R, JohnstoneStuart J, ZlojutroIlinka
Language : English
Author: SmithAndrew, SutherlandDavid, ChristopherGary
Language : English
Author: HeatherleySusan V, HancockKatie M F, RogersPeter J
Language : English
Author: SchweitzerPaula K, RandazzoAngela C, StoneKara, ErmanMilton, WalshJames K
Language : English
Author: ChildsEmma, de WitHarriet
Language : English
Author: BlankMelissa D, KleykampBethea A, JenningsJanine M, EissenbergThomas
Language : English
Author: RogersPeter J, SmithJessica E, HeatherleySusan V, Pleydell-PearceC W
Language : English
Author: HaskellCrystal F, KennedyDavid O, MilneAnthea L, WesnesKeith A, ScholeyAndrew B
Language : English
Author: BarryRobert J, ClarkeAdam R, JohnstoneStuart J, RushbyJacqueline A
Language : English
Author: AtakaSuzuka, TanakaMasaaki, NozakiSatoshi, MizumaHiroshi, MizunoKei, TaharaTsuyoshi, SuginoTomohiro, ShiraiTomoko, KajimotoYoshitaka, KuratsuneHirohiko, KajimotoOsami, WatanabeYasuyoshi
Language : English
Author: ChildsEmma, de WitHarriet
Language : English
Author: KeaneMichael A, JamesJack E, HoganMichael J
Language : English
Early effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on subjective state and gender differences.
Author: AdanAna, PratGemma, FabbriMarco, Sànchez-TuretMiquel
Language : English
Author: HogervorstEef, BandelowStephan, SchmittJeroen, JentjensRoy, OliveiraMarta, AllgroveJudith, CarterTom, GleesonMichael
Language : English
Author: KeaneMichael A, JamesJack E
Language : English
Language : English
Author: HarrellPaul T, JulianoLaura M
Language : English
Author: AstorinoTodd A, RobersonDaniel W
Language : English
Author: AdanAna, Serra-GrabulosaJosep Maria
Language : English
Author: McMullenMichael K, WhitehouseJulie M, ShineGillian, TowellAnthony
Language : English
Author: AttwoodAngela S, RogersPeter J, AtayaAlia F, AdamsSally, MunafòMarcus R
Language : English
Author: SmithAndrew P, ChristopherGary, SutherlandDavid
Language : English
Author: SmithAndrew P
Language : English
Author: FrancaMaria Claudia, SimpsonKenneth Oliver, SchuetteAllison
Language : English
Author: DömötörZs, SzemerszkyR, KötelesF
Language : English
Author: CappellettiSimone, PiacentinoDaria, DariaPiacentino, SaniGabriele, AromatarioMariarosaria
Language : English
Author: LaniniJuliana, GaldurózJosé Carlos Fernandes, PompéiaSabine
Language : English
Author: BaileyKira, AmlungMichael T, MorrisDavid H, PriceMason H, Von GuntenCurtis, McCarthyDenis M, BartholowBruce D
Language : English
Placebo effects of caffeine on maximal voluntary concentric force of the knee flexors and extensors.
Author: TallisJason, MuhammadBilal, IslamMohammed, DuncanMichael J
Language : English
Author: KahathuduwaChanaka N, DassanayakeTharaka L, AmarakoonA M Tissa, WeerasingheVajira S
Language : English
Author: ClarkIan, LandoltHans Peter
Language : English
Author: RasaeiBehrouz, TalibRuzita Abd, NoorMohd Ismail, KarandishMajid, KarimNorimah A
Language : English
Author: WikoffDaniele, WelshBrian T, HendersonRayetta, BrorbyGregory P, BrittJanice, MyersEsther, GoldbergerJeffrey, LiebermanHarris R, O'BrienCharles, PeckJennifer, TenenbeinMilton, WeaverConnie, HarveySeneca, UrbanJonathan, DoepkerCandace
Language : English
Does the placebo effect modulate drug bioavailability? Randomized cross-over studies of three drugs.
Author: HammamiMuhammad M, YusufAhmed, ShireFaduma S, HusseinRajaa, Al-SwayehReem
Language : English
Author: GuestNanci, CoreyPaul, VescoviJason, El-SohemyAhmed
Language : English
Author: Haskell-RamsayCrystal F, JacksonPhilippa A, ForsterJoanne S, DoddFiona L, BowerbankSamantha L, KennedyDavid O
Language : English
Author: Del CosoJuan, LaraBeatriz, Ruiz-MorenoCarlos, SalineroJuan José
Language : English
Effects of caffeine on neuromuscular function in a non-fatigued state and during fatiguing exercise.
Author: MesquitaRicardo N O, CroninNeil J, KyröläinenHeikki, HintikkaJukka, AvelaJanne
Language : English
Author: LoobyAlison, ZimmermanLauren, LivingstonNicholas R
Language : English
Author: KapellouAngeliki, KingAlexandra, GrahamCatherine A M, PilicLeta, MavrommatisYiannis
Language : English
This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.