Caffeine Pills VS Coffee

 What are caffeine pills?

Caffeine is a stimulant drug that increases activity in the central nervous system. Coffee and tea are natural sources of caffeine, and manufacturers add caffeine to other products, such as sodas, energy drinks, and energy bars.

Caffeine pills may contain natural or synthetic forms of caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in these pills varies depending on the brand. In many cases, they contain 100 to 200 milligrams (mg) per tablet. This is more than in most cups of coffee but less than in some energy drinks.

For reference, the Food and Drug AdministrationTrusted Source (FDA) estimate that caffeine levels in common products are as follows:

• An 8-ounce (oz) tea contains 30–50 milligrams (mg).
• An 8-oz coffee contains 80–100 mg.
• An 8-oz energy drink contains 40–250 mg.

According to the FDA, people can usually take 400 mgTrusted Source a day without negative side effects.

Are they safe?

Caffeine pills are safe for most people in moderation, and if they limit their intake of additional sources of caffeine.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, however, and may experience adverse reactions to these supplements and other sources of caffeine.

Doctors may recommend that the following groups limit their caffeine intake:

• those who are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine
• people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
• people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• children and adolescents
• people who experience regular migraine headaches

It is important to note that caffeine pills are not the same as pure caffeine powder. Pure caffeine powder is a potentially dangerous substance that may cause toxic effects, including seizures, upon consumption of even 0.15 tablespoonsTrusted Source, which contains around 1,200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.

As a result, the FDA have taken actionTrusted Source to protect the public from pure caffeine by monitoring companies to ensure they are not manufacturing products that contain high levels of pure or concentrated caffeine. The FDA will enforce any violations by stopping the manufacture of the product or seizing it.

Caffeine pills vs. coffee

Some people prefer to take their caffeine in pill form, while others would rather consume it through coffee or tea.

Factors to consider when choosing between caffeine pills and coffee include:

Taste

For those that do not enjoy the taste of coffee, caffeine pills could provide some similar benefits.

Convenience

Caffeine pills may be more convenient for those who do not have access to a bathroom for long periods, including bus drivers and security personnel.

While caffeine in any form acts a diuretic and increases urine output, coffee may cause a more significant increase because it is liquid.

Also, caffeine pills make it easier to take in more caffeine faster. While this may be beneficial for some people, it also increases the risk of caffeine overdose, which causes anxiety, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms.

Acidity

Coffee is acidic and can cause heartburn and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. Caffeine pills may be a better option for those prone to reflux, but caffeine can still cause heartburn in some people.

Other beneficial components

Aside from caffeine, coffee contains high levels of antioxidants that may be responsible for some of its health benefits. People taking caffeine pills instead of drinking coffee will miss out on this antioxidant boost.

On the other hand, coffee contains coffee oils, such as cafestol and kahweol. These oils may increase cholesterol levels in people who drink a lot of coffee. Caffeine pills are free from coffee oils and may not have these same effects.

Side effects and risks

Caffeine can cause adverse effects, especially if people consume it in large quantities, or if they have a caffeine sensitivity. These effects include:

• anxiety and nervousness
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dysphoria, a feeling of unhappiness
• fast heart rate
• headache
• heartburn
• high blood pressure
• nausea
• shaking
• sleep problems
• thirst

Extremely high quantities of caffeine can cause an overdose. Symptoms include:

• a rapid and irregular heartbeat
• feeling disorientated
• seizures
• vomiting

People can also experience caffeine dependency if they regularly consume caffeine — even 1 cup a day may lead to dependence. This dependency can also lead to withdrawal symptoms if the person suddenly avoids caffeine.

Not everyone who takes caffeine daily will experience dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Some researchTrusted Source indicates that genetic factors play a role in a person’s sensitivity to caffeine.

Caffeine may not be suitable for everyone. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendTrusted Source that children and adolescents avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, high intakes of caffeine during adolescence can cause permanent changes in the brain that may increase anxiety in adulthood.

The FDATrusted Source advise that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive talk to their doctor about their caffeine intake.