Caffeine Flashcards
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is an alkaloid found in coffee, tea and cocoa and is a stimulant of the central nervous system
What are the biological effects of caffiene?
Caffeine has differencing CNS, cardiovascular and metabolic effects depending on dose ingested and individual response. It stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis resulting in hyperglycaemia, stimulates ketosis and increases renal filtration and stimulates gastric secretion and motility.
Symptoms of caffeine toxicity?
Headache, anxiety, agitation, confusion, psychosis, seizures, chest pain, abdominal pain
Adverse health effects from high doses of caffeine?
Overstimulation of the CNS, decreases tonus of the lower oesophageal sphincter and higher risk of miscarriage.
Health benefits form avoidance of caffeine for certain conditions?
Those with anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, menopausal hot flushes, arrhythmia, IBS
Caffeine intake during pregnancy?
keep intake to < 200mg a day
What are the main concerns of caffeine during pregnancy?
Theoretical concerns of foetal CNS and brain development. Increased low birth weight, miscarriage, foetus developing T2 diabetes
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal
Occur 12-24 hrs after withdrawal, can last from 2-9 days. Ranging from headache to fatigue, irritability, muscle soreness and depressed mood
Key constituents present in coffee?
Chlorogenic acids, caffeine, diterpenes, melanoidins and some trace minerals
Potential therapeutic effects of coffee and adverse effects?
Antioxidant, neuroprotective effect, antimicrobial. Associated benefits of reducing cirrhosis and risk of liver cancer. Lowered risk of Alzheimer’s.
Adverse health effects include increased urinary calcium excretion increasing risk of osteoporosis. and the PAH
Therapeutic effects associated with tea consumption?
Reduced risk of cancer due to antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and ability to inhibit insulin like growth factor-1.
Constituents in tea that benefit cognitive mood and function?
L-theanine, gallate and caffeine effect the CNS and potentiation of dopamine and serotonin
Key constituents present in cocoa?
Lipids, caffeine, polyphenols, minerals
Health benefits and potential side effects of cocoa?
Cocoa flavonols have shown beneficial effects on CVD markers (blood pressure, oxidised LDL)
In certain foods its made into a nutrient poor, energy dense food which can lead to weight gain. Also can trigger migraines
How much caffeine can be in energy drinks? Concerns of energy drinks?
320mg per litre is legal. <50mg of caffeine can induce tachycardia and agitation. Overdose leads to seizures, psychosis and death.
