Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that works as a brain stimulant to help stay alert and prevent the onset of tiredness. Caffeine, most commonly found in tea, coffee and cacao plants is largely consumed as beverage, food or drugs. The effects of caffeine on cognitive functions have been reviewed by many studies as very helpful but it can be harmful if used excessively.
Firstly, to enhance cognitive functions, caffeine works on the Central Nervous System by blocking adenosine and binding to adenosine receptors to speed up cell activity; thus increasing brain neuron firing that boosts the production of adrenaline. This explains why caffeine has the ability to stop sleepiness because it activates alertness, attentiveness and also reduces time-to-tiredness and exhaustion. In a review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance, McLellan, Caldwell and Lieberman (2016) opined that caffeine is an effective strategy to counter both physical and cognitive degradation associated with sleep loss. They further explained that caffeine is officially recognised as a mental enhancer for many occupations, including military, first responders, transport workers and factory shift workers, who require optimal physical and cognitive function to ensure success, workplace safety and productivity.
Secondly, due to its chemical composition, it has been noted that caffeine effect is dose-dependent. Tom M. McLellan et al, (2016) explained that in doses up to approximately 300 mg (∼4 mg kg−1), caffeine enhances a wide array of basic cognitive functions with minimal side effects. Hence, the recommended daily consumption for a healthy adult is up to 400 milligrams of caffeine which is equivalent to 3–4 cups of coffee. However, further studies have shown exceptions to this dosage with reference to pregnant women, teenagers and varying consumer’s diet. A wide variety of other health benefits of caffeine have been documented, which includes reduction of pain during exercise, headache treatment, mood enhancement, as well as treatment for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (Cappelletti, Piacentino and Aromatario (2015). Therefore, caffeine is favored as a medicinal and nutritional.
Is Caffeine Harmful?
One major concern is in the abuse of use which may have lasting damages to the brain. Like every other drug that enhances mental capabilities, there is a risk of addiction and abuse. The love for caffeine is expressed mostly in coffee and it’s been noted that many are addicted to the rich coffee smell and colour. This addiction has influenced many manufacturers of consumer goods to include caffeine as well as coffee flavor in their products e.g gum, energy drinks and alcohol.
Caffeine can be hazardous to health if taken in excess. According to Cappelletti, Et al., (2015) “both adults and adolescents who consume high doses of caffeine frequently report psychiatric symptoms and disorders, mainly anxiety and mood disorders, but also behavioral alterations” (p.80). One of the most common side effect of constant caffeine intake is sleep deprivation. Caffeine has a half-life of about 6 hours that may cause insomnia because it blocks the adenosine needed to sleep restfully. Thus affecting the overall well-being of consumer after a period of consistent caffeine dependency. Another noted side effect is exhaustion. Usually, when the adrenaline induced alertness wears off, it leaves the body in a state of fatigue which may require another dose of caffeine to carry on further daily activities, thus; a cycle of dependency begins and an attempt to break this addiction may lead to psychiatric related problems.
Conclusively, caffeine is considered an enhancer due to its abilities to enhance cognitive functions that boosts alertness and vigilance. However, because it is readily available, its abuse is inevitable. Therefore, its intake should be regulated as the side effects of a caffeine-dependent life poses a great threat to the health of a consumer in the long run.
References
McLellan, T. Caldwell, J. & Lieberman, H (2016). A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 71, December 2016, Pages 294–312
Cappelletti,S. Piacentino,D. Sani,G. & Aromatario,M (2015). Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? Current Neuropharmacology, 2015, 13, 71–88
