denise m
Posted : 10/19/2008 11:56:58 AM
fuzzy_dogs_mom
Absolutely true ... and I really don't think the people that head off to Starbucks every a.m. for a "Tall Grande Whatever" are going to change their routine because the label tells them they're getting three days worth of caffeine in one cup.
Joyce
I think it does have the potential of making a difference. Although most people realize they are getting a good 'dose' of caffeine in their tall grande, I wonder how many are aware of the health issues associated with large amounts of caffeine. Before McDonalds started listing the nutritional information on their food everybody knew it was fattening. Once the information was available a lot of people opted for the more nutritional options. Geeze, who knew the salad dressing was so calorie packed? For sure most people are not going to give up their coffee but if a Dunkin' Donut coffee has a way less caffeine than Starbucks I could see people switching or Starbucks offering a reduced caffeine product. Maybe consumers will pass on that 2nd or 3rd cup O'Joe. This is what I found:
The Health Effects of Caffeine
It is difficult to
link precise intake levels of caffeine to specific health effects
because tolerance to caffeine differs widely from person to person. For
healthy adults, a small amount of caffeine may have positive effects,
such as increased alertness or ability to concentrate. However, some
people are more sensitive to caffeine. For them, a small amount could
cause insomnia, headaches, irritability and nervousness.
There
have been many studies over the years dealing with caffeine and human
health. These studies have looked at the potential adverse effects of
caffeine in such areas as:
- general toxicity (e.g., muscle tremors, nausea, irritability);
- cardiovascular effects (e.g., heart rate, cholesterol, blood pressure);
- effects on calcium balance and bone health (e.g., bone density, risk of fractures);
- behavioural effects in both adults and children (e.g., anxiety, mood changes, attentiveness);
- potential links to cancer; and
- effects on reproduction (e.g., male and female fertility, birth weight)
Health Canada scientists recently reviewed these studies and found that:
- The
general population of healthy adults is not at risk for potential
adverse effects from caffeine if they limit their caffeine intake to 400mg per day;
- People
who get an adequate daily amount of calcium have greater protection
against the possible adverse effects of caffeine on bone health. For
most people, choosing foods according to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating can provide the calcium needed for good health;
- Compared to the general adult population, children are at increased risk for possible behavioural effects from caffeine; and
- Women of childbearing age are at increased risk of possible reproductive effects.
These
conclusions prompted Health Canada to establish new recommendations on
maximum daily caffeine intakes for the groups that may be at higher
risk.