Page 13 - FUSE-Mag

tion, some medications slow caffeine metabolism, which may
increase the risk for caffeine intoxication. But the effects of “Some psychologists
caffeine also vary simply because we’re all different.” Rob M.
Van Dam, adjunct associate professor of the Department of
Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, told Medical are also concerned that
News Today that the effects of caffeine are dependent on each
person’s genetic characteristics and lifestyle factors.
“Thus, some people may have difficulty sleeping or expe- a pattern of caffeine use
rience tremors or
stress with relatively
low caffeine intakes
and it is useful to or abuse among young
be aware of these
symptoms and re-
duce caffeine intake people may lead to subse-
if these occur,” he
added.
Given the quent problematic drug
positive effects caf-
feine can have as a
stimulant, Meredith
told Medical News and alcohol use.”
Today that for some
people, this can
result in caffeine ing brain.
addiction: “Caffeine “Notably, caffeine interferes with sleep, and sleep plays a
activates many of critical role in learning. Some laboratory research suggests that
the same behavioral caffeine interferes with sleep and learning among adolescent ro-
and neuropharmaco- dents, which, in turn, hinders normal neurological development
logical mechanisms that is noticeable into adulthood,” said Meredith.
that are activated “Some psychologists are also concerned that a pattern of caf-
by other reinforc- feine use or abuse among young people may lead to subsequent
ers, including other problematic drug and alcohol use.”
https://unsplash.imgix.net/44/E5KMvPp9SsCnqmEGUwAS_2014-08-10%2012.56.40%201.jpg?q=75&fm=jpg&s=e43c800f4a63599cbe4f6aae21aebfca http://www.medicalnew-
drugs of abuse. The FDA clearly hold a similar view to pediatricians. In
And, like many other reinforcers, caffeine is associated May last year, the organization announced it would be investigat-
with various positive subjective effects like increased wellbeing, ing the safety of caffeine in food products, particularly products
sociability, and feelings of energy and alertness. For this reason aimed at children and adolescents.The FDA are concerned that
and others, a small percentage of the population develops caf- many food and drink products, such as jelly beans, waffles, syrup
feine use disorder.” and chewing gum, now have caffeine added to them to enhance
He said that some people can become physically dependent their stimulating effect. Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner
on caffeine, with absence or reduction of coffee consumption for foods and veterinary medicine at the FDA, said:
in these individuals resulting in caffeine withdrawal. This can “We’re particularly concerned about children and adoles-
trigger symptoms such as headache, fatigue, drowsiness, depres- cents and the responsibility FDA and the food industry have
sion, irritability, concentration difficulties, nausea and vomiting. to protect public health and respect social norms that suggest
“Dependence can become so strong for some individuals we shouldn’t be marketing stimulants, such as caffeine, to our
that they’re unable to reduce consumption despite knowledge children.”
of recurrent physical or psychological problems associated with Meredith told us that studies have shown high caffeine
continued use,” Meredith added. intake may also produce negative side effects in pregnant women
Kids and adolescents ‘should avoid caffeine consumption’ and individuals with heart conditions or anxiety disorders.
Meredith said that based on the negative side effects caffeine However, he added that the majority of us consume caffeine in
consumption can have, doctors should be discussing caffeine moderation without any harmful side effects, so healthy adults
use with their patients to determine whether they are ingesting should not be overly concerned.“But we should be mindful that
safe levels of the stimulant. Furthermore, he warned that this when we consume caffeine, we are consuming a psychoactive
is particularly important for children and adolescents Pediatri- substance that can cause or exacerbate some health problems,”
he cautioned.
stoday.com/images/articles/271707-smoking.jpg The majority of pediatricians recommend that this population fuse COUPLES HEALTH & FITNESS 12 | August 2014
cians recommend that children should steer clear from caffeine,
often found in soft drinks.
should avoid caffeine consumption, particularly since it is un-
known as to how excessive caffeine intake impacts the develop-