Is Caffeine Good or Bad for Your Health?
For years I have been writing and talking about the Pros and Cons of caffeine. Full disclosure, I drink coffee daily. I’ll admit that I am hooked on coffee and I am probably not going to stop drinking my daily coffee. But I might slow down on the coffee drinking or make sure it’s not affecting my ability to sleep at night based on when I drank my last coffee.
But my concern is how many young people and children are already drinking energy drinks which contain caffeine. Some of the children and teenagers are actually addicted to caffeine through caffeinated energy drinks.
Caffeine Amounts in Drinks & Food not of Food Label
Caffeine amounts, however, are not currently on the Nutrition Facts Label. But the food labels usually states whether the energy drink or bar has caffeine if the food company is pushing the product as an energy enhancing item.
With the help of ChatGPT, Easy-to-Read graphics below will help you make wise decisions for yourself and your family.
How Much Caffeine for Healthy Adults
For most healthy adults, a safe daily caffeine intake is:
Recommended Daily Limit
- Up to 400 mg per day
That Stacks up to:
- 4 cups of brewed coffee (8 oz each), or
- 8–10 cups of tea, or
- 2–3 energy drinks (varies by brand)
Lower Limits for Pregnant Women, Teens and Children
- Pregnant or breastfeeding: up to 200 mg/day
- Teens (12–18): about 100 mg/day
- Children: should avoid caffeine or keep it very minimal
What are Common Caffeine Amounts in Typical Drinks
- Coffee (8 oz): ~80–100 mg
- Espresso (1 shot): ~60–75 mg
- Tea (8 oz): ~30–50 mg
- Soda (12 oz): ~30–40 mg
- Energy drink (8 oz): ~70–100+ mg
Too Much Caffeine Symptoms
- Jitters or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Fast heartbeat
- Upset stomach
What the Bottom Line
Beware regarding the amounts of caffeine you and your family are using daily.
is a registered dietitian with a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition. She is the Chief Blog Organizer for www.DayByDayLiving.net
Barbara worked as a research nutritionist with the military’s tri-service medical school collaborating with Department of Defense, National Health Institutes (NIH), and also United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Barbara worked as a performance nutrition consultant to Navy SEALS’ BUD/S Training Program and West Coast Navy SEAL Teams. Barbara is the former nutrition performance consultant to the University of Louisville Athletic Department. She is the author of Fast Facts on Fast Food for Fast People and High Energy Eating Sports Nutrition Workbook for Active People used by the University of Louisville, University of Tennessee Lady Vols and the Tennessee football program, the LSU basketball program, the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns and by the United States Navy SEALs.
Barbara is the former publisher of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman magazine and radio show host of Health News You Can Use. Barbara has over 50 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles to consumers. Barbara is a former runner who walks, a spinner, hiker, a pickleball player, a mother and grandmother to 13 grandchildren.
Barbara also serves on the Leadership Team for Moms for America as the Grammy Grizzlies National Group Leader. (www.momsforamerica.us).