Research

EXPERT Opinions

Decades of research have found that moderate amounts of caffeine consumed by the general, healthy adult population are safe and do not harm health. Caffeine’s safety is supported by its long history of consumption and extensive studies. The following are some of the expert opinions and studies regarding caffeine’s safety and effects.

• ILSI North America Caffeine Systematic Review 2017
• European Food Safety Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women:
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) scientific opinion
  • March of Dimes recommendation
  • Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) fact sheet
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

CAFFEINE Studies

Beverage caffeine intakes in the U.S.

Trends in intake and sources of caffeine in the diets of US adults: 2001–2010

Sources of Caffeine in Diets of US Children and Adults: Trends by Beverage Type and Purchase Location

Caffeine and cardiovascular health

Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children

DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR Americans

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) for the first time addressed caffeine in 2015. The DGAs assert that the overwhelming majority of Americans are consuming a reasonable amount of caffeine that does not carry health risks. As most of the caffeine and health research reviewed was specific to coffee, the 2015 DGAs limited specific guidance to this popular beverage. Concern was noted for a small percentage of people in certain age groups who tend to consume large quantities of caffeine, and health professional guidance is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Work on the revised 2020-2025 version of the DGAs is underway.