How much caffeine is considered safe to consume?
The Food Standards Agency recommend a daily caffeine intake of up to 400mg (one standard mug of coffee is about 200mg) for healthy adults, and up to 200mg for pregnant women, which shouldn't cause any harm to the feotus.1
The effects of caffeine will vary from person-to-person, for some it will take larger amounts in order to feel the effects.
Are there any health risks of drinking too much caffeine?
With the right dose, caffeine can lift your mood and make you more alert, but too much and you risk anxiety, palpitations, agitation, diarrhoea, restlessness, and sleplessness.1 These symptoms might be made worse if you already have a health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, and those with a mental health condition might experience worsened psychosis.
Despite this, research shows that a moderate level of caffeine shouldn’t be detrimental to your health. For example, it won’t affect your heart health, your cholesterol levels or heart rhythm.2
Even though drinking coffee has been shown to increase blood pressure, this effect is usually temporary and is minimised over time if you drink caffeinated drinks regularly.
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and can experience heart palpitations, so it’s then more sensible to avoid caffeine.2
At excessive levels, caffeine intoxication is possible, which is why the FSA recommends consumers to be cautious with caffeine supplements and check food labels.1