Mount Sinai South Nassau presents:
TRUTH IN MEDICINE
Q:Is too much coffee bad for you?
A: Yes. Only up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in 4 cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two “energy shot” drinks. Adolescents should limit their intake to no more than 100 mg (one cup) daily, and children should not be allowed to drink coffee in any amount.
In adults, five or more cups of coffee per day can cause unpleasant side effects. And caffeine may not be a good choice for people who are highly sensitive to its effects or who take certain medications.
Heavy daily caffeine use — more than 500 to 600 mg or 5 to 6 cups a day — may cause side effects such as:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Stomach upset
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle tremors
If you’re like most adults, caffeine is a part of your daily routine. And most often it doesn’t pose a health problem. But make sure to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about how much coffee is safe for you.
For more information about primary care services available at Mount Sinai South Nassau, click here.
