Caffeine - The Wake-up Call Your Mind Needs

A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks and medications, known for its ability to enhance alertness and focus.
Category
Compound
Where to get
Found in beverages, food products, and as over-the-counter supplements.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Caffeine FAQ


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Is caffeine a drug?

This is where it is helpful to remember that caffeine is classified as a drug and should be treated as such when using it outside the recommended doses or uses. Dosing recommendations are tricky, as some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others.

What is caffeine used for?

It is mainly used as a eugeroic ( wakefulness promoter) or as a mild cognitive enhancer to increase alertness and attentional performance. Caffeine acts by blocking binding of adenosine to the adenosine A 1 receptor, which enhances release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Where does caffeine come from?

Caffeine is naturally found in the seeds, nuts, or leaves of certain plants. These natural sources are then harvested and processed to produce caffeinated foods and beverages. Here are the amounts of caffeine expected per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving of some popular beverages ( 1, 4 ): Some foods also contain caffeine.

What is caffeine & how does it work?

What is caffeine? Caffeine is a bitter substance that occurs naturally in more than 60 plants including: There is also synthetic (man-made) caffeine, which is added to some medicines, foods, and drinks. For example, some pain relievers, cold medicines, and over-the-counter medicines for alertness contain synthetic caffeine.

Caffeine References

If you want to know more about Caffeine, consider exploring links below:

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