With caffeine keeping students alive, Aurora Andrus looks at its negative affects
As a new year of college begins, so does late-night studying and last-minute essay writing. While many people rely on the effects of coffee and Red Bulls to keep them focused and energized, they may not realise that caffeine can be a dangerous substance. An adult can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine a day, which equals on average about 4 cups of coffee or 2 energy drinks.
Four cups of coffee with a caffeine content of 185mg comes to whopping 740mg of caffeine – nearly double the healthy dose.
While four cups of coffee doesn’t seem that high, the caffeine content can vary between 58mg and 185mg, depending on the coffee. Four cups of coffee with a caffeine content of 185mg comes to whopping 740mg of caffeine – nearly double the healthy dose. Consuming more than the recommended amount can cause some nasty side effects like migraines, vomiting, diabetes and cardiac arrest.
Caffeine intake generally shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you find yourself drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day, you may want to reduce your intake. If you do, be sure to cut back gradually rather than all at once. Caffeine withdrawals are a real thing and can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability. The need for caffeine is real, especially amongst students, but there is such a thing as too much.