Caffeine
From WikEd
Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine Coffeine Theine Mateine Guaranine
According to Dictionary.com, caffeine is "a white, crystalline, bitter alkaloid, C8H10N4O2, usually derived from coffee or tea: used in medicine chiefly as a nervous system stimulant."
Application in and effects on classrooms and similar settings
Addiction to caffeine is a rapidly growing concern in many college campuses. While caffeine has it's advantages, namely stimulation, the risk of addiction grows quickly when one consumes caffeine at the levels many college students do.
Recently, caffeine consumption, particularly in the form of a "Starbucks" (TM) caffeine-sugar concoction has become very trendy with the middle and high school students. Celebrities are seen toting these coffees in the magazines that these students view regularly. "Coffee is all about glamor for adolescent girls" (Needham, Cynthia 2003) It's an inexpensive way for students to look "cool". However, it is becoming more common for students to begin their day with only a coffee drink. Like sugar, coffee can create a temporary alertness followed by a sudden crash. The addiction creates a dependency in the morning but when the alertness side effect wears off, the child is left without a coffee house and struggling to get through their classes. The only thing to reach for in school is a sugary soda beverage which has the added punch of spiking insulin and causing a crash even sooner.
Coffee may be no more harmful for children than it is for adults, but it would seem that there has to be some effects that have been traced with this new coffee-drinking segment of society. "A report by the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that young women ages 8 to 22 who drink coffee are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, and to do so at an earlier age." (Needham, Cynthia 2003) Perhaps the addictive personalities of the people drinking coffee also find other satisfying addictions once the caffeine jolt wears off.
A person cannot assume that they will perform better with caffeine. People will behave differently from one another when using caffeine depending on the amount and their frequency of use. Instead of a "boost" you may just receive an upset stomach, or a case of the "shakes".
Evidence of effectiveness
Chemistry
It blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase from removing cAMP (chemical messenger) so signals from adrenaline persist, cAMP aids in removing the signals from adrenaline. It also blocks adenosine receptors. Adenosine is responsible for causing nerves to release chemicals that lead to drowsiness and sleep. Blocking receptors leads to no drowsiness but adenosine also causes dilation of blood vessels, which is what cells need to replenish themselves. When adenosine levels get high enough, they overcome the caffeine block and lead to sleep and cell nourishment. So, it disables chemicals that slow the body down, not letting you feel sleepy or fatigued it also constricts blood vessels which can relieve migraines, which is why it is paired with Excedrin and the like. (Wellesley.edu chem. Site) It also increases dopamine levels, much like amphetamines. You experience less blood flow to the skin and inner organs, increased flow to the muscles.
Usage statistics
In North America 80-90% of adults report regular caffeine use (johns Hopkins) Average daily intake is 200-280mg (johns Hopkins) This translates to: 1-2 caffeine pills 2 shots of Robusta espresso 5 shots of Arabica espresso 2 cups of coffee (5floz.) 1.3L of soda ~5 cans of soda ~5 cups of black tea or 10 cups of green tea 1-4 energy drinks depending on caffeine type and content
Addiction
The average 3 to 4 cups per day is not shown to trigger activity in the nucleus accumbens the part of the brain responsible for addiction. Like amphetamines, cocaine, morphine or even nicotine. It takes 7 or more cups of coffee in rapid succession to trigger a response. At those doses it also triggers reactions such as anxiety, depression and nervousness. (ACS debate brews).
Johns Hopkins says that you can build dependence not addiction. Even 1 regular cup of coffee can cause withdrawal symptoms, with the severity of symptoms depending on caffeine ingested. [http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=43492 ] Studied over 170 years of caffeine data, an American Heart Association article (2002) states that caffeine isn’t linked to high blood pressure in regular coffee drinkers; there is some other content in the coffee.
Symptoms of intoxication and addiction withdrawal
Intoxication is a single event, like being drunk from caffeine. Addiction occurs over time, much like any addiction. The symptoms of intoxication include, but are not limited to: Nervousness Headaches Increased heart rate Anxiety Upset stomach Irritability Heartburn Insomnia Tremors Dizziness Nausea
The symptoms of withdrawl include all the symptoms of intoxication, plus: Fatigue Tremors Dizziness Depression Vomiting Muscle pain and stiffness Migraines
A Johns Hopkins meta analysis states that symptoms of withdrawal can include headache, fatigue, drowsiness, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. 50% experienced headaches (in 57 experimental studies) 13% had significant impairment (severe headache) 12-24 hours after stopping intake and peak intensity of 1 to 2 days, and lasting for 2 to 9 days.
Critics and their rationale
Although it is a mildly addictive drug, there are few physical dangers associated with its use and a number of benefits. Regular coffee drinkers show a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, gallstones and colon cancer. And they show improved cognitive function and are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine is a mild stimulant that can combat fatigue, restore mental performance, and enhance exercise endurance. It can make the mind is quicker and improve memory. [Carlin, 2004]
Caffeine is one of the best ergogenic drugs available. Caffeine can aid concentration and allow for clearer thinking. Physically speaking, athletes are able to train more intensely for longer periods of time.
A major drawback of the consumption of caffeine is dehydration, which results from the drug's ability to increase urine production. Also, caffeine withdrawal can result in headaches, with more severe symptoms including nausea and vomiting. Too much caffeine can also cause irritability and insomnia. [[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caffeine.html
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Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations
Signed "life experiences", testimonies and stories
As a middle school teacher, I have noticed a great number of my coworkers that come to school with their Starbucks. I have noticed that when these teachers have not had their Starbucks they seem to be quite moody. This also goes for those that can't seem to scrap money for their daily sodas. I find this to be a pretty severe concern becuase it makes me wonder how the students are treated with the teachers not haveing their caffeine. As for myself, I am a major water drinker. I have noticed that the teachers that don't freak over their caffeine intakes seem to come to school with great attitudes. I rarely show up to school in a bad mood. Another issue is when the students have caffeine, they have the same type of mood situations. Their brains also do not function properly when they have been drinking caffeine. I think there is more to this drug than people are willing to admit. (Robert Hayes, 2008)
What is it about caffeine that our bodies can't get enough of? I was never a coffee drinker until I became a teacher and now a morning without coffee on my drive to work is a morning my students will regret coming to class for. I just need to have that delicious, rich beverage, flowing through my system each and every morning. -J. T. D.
All right, I admit it. I am a Diet Coke junkie. I drink it. Often. Nearly non-stop, all day long. I am not so sure that it is an addiction to the caffeine per se but I really, really like the taste of Diet Coke. I do get a headache if I don't have it in the morning, but I don't think I get crabby. My students however have a different opinion. Two years ago I gave up soda for Lent and drank water and gatorade. After a few days (the 3-day hump) I was a total disaster. So much, this year right before Lent a student asked me--nervously--if I was giving up Diet Coke again for Lent. Ha, ha...I guess that answers the question. Will I ever stop? Not sure. I don't like coffee or anything even remotely coffee-flavoured. -M. Hanes (2006)
The effects of caffiene can and do have effects on my nerves and my attention span in classes. As a former barrista at ERC, the shift from having coffee constantly at work, to having to pay for it when I left to teach was amazing. It also amazes me that after not serving coffee for 5 1/2 years, that I still remember exactly what my "regular" customers drink (from dry cappuchinos to double espressos only if it's after noon). I love coming back to C-U every few months and cherish the coffee environment that we have here. Not only is it a beverage, but it is also very social environment that fosters discussion of world topics and educational ideals. W. Rank
I am not one of those people who REALLY needs their caffeine, but I can say that I have suffered consequences related to lack of caffeine. Many of my friends have been heavily addicted to pop and try to stop, but find that they nearly go into withdrawal and suffer severe consequences. It seems scary that drinking soda seems to have similar effects as cigarettes and other vices. J. Cappa
I am one of those people who really need that cup of coffee every morning. I like the taste of it too though, unlike many of my friends that load up on the sugar and cream, I like my coffee black. I don't drink to just wake up, I like to drink the coffee because I like the way it tastes. In Hawaii, where I'm from, Kona Coffee is great and while I'm here in Illinois, the coffee can also remind me of home. - Brandon Correa
Caffeine is supposed to be a stimulate, right? Well it does not seem to work on me. I don't drink coffee or eat chocolate on a regular basis, but when I do, instead of getting a gradual burst of energy, I start feeling tired and sleepy. Why does it seem to have the opposite effect on me? Is there a scientif explanation for this?
I have never been a huge caffeine consumer except when pulling an all nighter or needed a quick wake-up. I have a colleague at work who used to drink a cappacino every morning, diet coke at lunch and who knows what at night. One day she decided to quit caffeine cold turkey. She began having a weeks worth of debilitating migraines! Who says caffeine can't be addictive to the body? --A. Sylvester
I have never really caught on with the caffeine craze. In undergrad, I would only use it as that boost for finals or nights when I had a huge paper due and I might have procrastinated a bit (okay, a lot). Even then, I don't think caffeine really has that much of an affect on me. My mother, on the other hand, is a nurse who has worked the 11pm - 7am shift for about 11 years now. We lived in the South Suburbs of Chicago and she commuted each day to the hospital she worked at in downtown Chicago. After coming off that shift, she has to have a Coke on the drive home or she may not make it home safely. She usually arrives home at about 8 or 8: 30 and from that moment on, she's like the energizer bunny. Then, and it never fails, at about 10:00 she falls quickly asleep. ~S. Ward
Personally, I think that caffeine is almost a necessary vice in our society. While the connection with addiction is growing in awareness and evidence, caffeine has become a part of our culture. During my junior year of college, I struggled with caffeine addiction and was frequently spending far too much on energy drinks. The topic of caffeine intoxication has my interest piqued. Looking at my caffeine intake, tolerance, and experiences, I must have been frequently intoxicated without realizing what was happening. The only description I can offer is a time warp. I felt as though I was in "bullet time" from the Matrix. I could move and think faster than the rest of the world was moving. However none of my thoughts were organized, I was going too fast for my own brain. I know this sounds like some sort of strange drug trip, but my caffeine intake is nothing near normal. Whereas the average intake of caffeine is 200-280mg daily, I border on almost 600mg on an extreme day and 400mg on average. Until winter break hit my junior year I was caffeinated constantly, over winter break I was determined to quit caffeine, or at least wean myself off of it. After experiencing the withdrawal from caffeine, I never want to go through withdrawal again; to this day I get sick just thinking about those 2 weeks of "getting clean." Caffeine is a part of me though, I would be hard pressed to give it up, but now I monitor what I take in and I’m ok. (Matt Munley)
I feel very uncomfortable using caffeine because I see so many people around me addicted to it. I think to be caffeine addicted is not too harmful for the body but I do not think it is healthy either. I believe in a good night sleep, regular exercise and health lifestyle. Sleep and oxygen make me awake for up to 16 hours and that is enough anyhow. When I want to party all night long alcohol does a much better job to keep me excited and awake. -Felix Autenrieth
Even though I do not like the taste of coffee (although Starbucks Lattes make it easier on me), I find caffeine necessary while attending school. It is very hard to study with very little sleep. It seems as if my brain slows down at night and drinking coffee helps me to be able to think "normally" when I am tired. I find that I perform better on exams when I am fully caffeinated. On the downside, caffeine makes it difficult for me to sleep and I tend to get nervous after tanking up on it. I have never had any withdrawal symptoms from the cessation of coffee drinking, so I only drink it when it is "necessary" to function. ~Mindy Waters
I try to limit my coffee intake to two cups a day. I have to say that I really enjoy the flavor of coffee and I make an effort to try different roasts and flavored coffees. I agree that in large quantities - coffee does have a negative effect. It can contribute to dehydration and it is not in the best interest of maintaining healthy bones. It has been determined that caffine can inhibit the absorbtion of vitamin D. But many of the foods and beverages available to us can in large quantities be unhealthy. So moderation is my philosophy to enjoying my morning cup of coffee! ~Becky Small
My caffeine I intake is not through coffee, but through Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi. I drink as much as 4x64 oz. cups plus a few cans a day. I drink it for the taste, not the caffeine. On a weekend if I don’t get my 64 ounce cup in the morning I will get a slight head ache, but nothing I can’t handle. I have tried to go to Caffeine Free soda, and I feel no ill effects. A few Coworkers have told me I am a little more edgy when I cut back the caffeine though. The only problem is that it is harder to find the fountain soda that is Caffeine Free, and I love the taste of the fountain soda. As far as keeping me awake, I show no ill effect in my sleeping habits. I sleep 8 hours a night, and can fall asleep right after having a soda. -- Dale Donner
I used to consume about 3 12oz Mountain Dews perday. Of course I never did this until I started to teach with Dale Donner(Note Above). During Lent I gave up pop and the first couple of days I did get a headache and backache. My bachk hurt right where my kidneys are so I am not sure if they were cleaning themselves out or if it was just a coincidence. Dale did decide to join me in this and his testimony may have changed from above this time. I have always slept good no matter if I had a pop or not. Bret Helms
I know that my mother currently can't function without the aide of caffeine. If she doesn't get at least three cups of coffee in during breakfast or before she does anything she is completely worthless. She tends to have the same problems that Dale did in his previous statement. She gets headaches, stomach aches, and even will just want to go back to bed. She has britle bones and the caffeine isn't helping strengthen them at all. The doctor has told her that she needs to lay of the caffeine because it is raising her blood pressure and can possibly turn into a heart condition.--Brian Bucciarelli
I read an interesting article on caffeine and its relationship with jr. high and high school students. While Starbucks still remains a "trendy" staple, energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster are breaking into the market. Students, younger than ever before, are consuming these sweetened energy drinks on a regular basis. The appeal is in the taste (many young kids prefer it to coffee) and in the stimulation caused by the jolt of caffeine. While one cup of Starbucks coffee contains more caffeine than the average energy drink, the added chemicals and hard-to-pronounce "elements" causes concerns in some doctors and parents. Little is known about these ingredients and the potential dangers they pose. - N. R.
The winter break of my freshman year I realized I had become addicted to caffeine. I was out driving around with friends and had a huge craving for a diet coke. I refused to go anywhere until we stopped at a McDonald's for a soda. At that point I promised myself that when I returned to campus for the spring semester I would cut my intake of caffeine. Now and again when I am up late studying I will reach for that extra caffeine when I need to stay up late. There is a 2nd grade teacher at my school that has a diet coke every morning. At one point she decided to try and cut back. One of her students noticed that she was a little crabby and realized that it was because the diet coke bottle was not on her desk! M. Rice
I never liked the taste of coffee until my favorite grandmother passed away. Since then, the memories of my grandmother are stimulated by the smell and taste of coffee. I am amazed at the energy that I have after drinking a couple of cups of coffee. I get so many things done around my house when I start the day with some coffee. Other mornings that begin without it are dreary and seemingly dull. I do find that my heart rate gets a bit racy if I drink too much so I need to watch the amount I intake. Coffee has been in the news lately as showing some benefits for preventing diabetes, so it doesn't seem to be so bad after all. Gay Cabutti
As I have watched many of my friends and family become subject to the powers of caffine in products like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Mountain Dew, and coffee, I made the decision to avoid these products. My friends and family members seem to be very dependent upon caffine to help them get through the day, which makes me a little nervous when they don't get their caffine fix. Interestingly enough I did not figure out until my junior year in college that tea had caffine in it too!!!!! I was not feeling well one night, but as a Resident Assistant I was responsible for attending the night desk, so to make the experience more enjoyable I drank two Brisk Lipton Iced Teas with lemon, and well after desk duty was over that night I couldn't keep my eyes shut. I was really worried that something was really wrong with me because all I could do is stare at the ceiling and I felt the strong urge to get up and run or clean my room. I managed to finally close my eyes just before the sun peaked into the window, and it was time to rise and shine to face another lovely day. I went to find the Brisk iced tea can and I frantically read the back of the can and lo and behold there was CAFFINE in what I thought was something to tide me over during desk duty. To this day I drink tea (i.e. cranberry orange,green, chamomille, jasmine, orange,etc.) in moderation, but of course I drink the tea well before bed time. ~C. Hatchett
I'm a coffee drinker, probably considered a heavy one at that! Usually a minimum of 48oz per day. At work we've got 25 cent refills, which keeps my cup full. At home I brew with a large french press and while we're in online class I'll drink it all. Cream, please, no sugar. (unless it's from a gas station) Like some folks, I'm not one to get super hyped by coffee, I can drink a cup(s) or even a few espresso shots and fall asleep instantly. Often on the weekends I don't have a cup in the morning because I usually run early and I don't feel any withdrawal. I don't know if I should consider that lucky or not, it's not going to be any incentive to cut down! With kids, I'm all for the coffeehouse scene. It's better than drinking beer in a corn field which is what I did before I found coffee. - J. Tubbs
I have been reading some of the testimonials about caffeine drinkers, wow, I don't fell so bad now! I am totally addicted, and I know it. I am a Coke drinker, nothing else will do. I drink very near a six pack on a daily basis. I know I should cut back, but I can't seem to force myself to do so. If I don't have a Coke first thing in the morning, on comes a headache and my day is shot. I did however, and I praise myself for this, cut way back when I was pregnant with my son. I couldn't go without though. I asked my doctor and he told me no more than 24oz a day. So I had to go from a six pack to two a day. I was a very grouchy pregnant lady, just ask my husband!! I guess though it may be better to be dependent upon caffeine then some other drugs that are out there!--M. Smith
I heart caffiene: I am useless without my morning large coffee and if I don't have coffee for a day, I usually feel it and drag very badly. I also suffer from migraines also, and sometimes caffiene (whether it is an iced coffee or an Excedrin tablet) is the only thing that has a chance of killing it. In my own non-medical opinion, there is nothing wrong with caffiene except in huge doses, but what is more disturbing is how it is given to students in sugary calorie-laden drinks. This is probably the most detrimental side-effect of caffiene addiction when the way our children choose to self-medicate is via unhealthy sodas and energy drinks. - dave melone
I have had only one cup of coffee in my life. I just didn't like the taste.I confess that I am addicted to caffiene that is in my diet coke that I am drinking as I type this.A day without diet coke is a bad day for me. I am a diet coke expert. I can tell if it is fresh or about to expire and I never drink it from the fountain. It is just not the same.My children don't like diet coke at all. They would rather have water.I guess if this is my only vice I should be happy.Maybe I should follow my kids lead and get hooked on water instead.A.Harty
I only allow myself to have one can of Pepsi a day at lunchtime. I don't consider myself to be addicted to caffeine, but I always know when it is time for lunch because I start to get a headache. Although I only have 15mg of caffeine a day, that small amount affects my attitude, overall feeling of health, and sleep patterns(if I drink caffeine too late I have trouble sleeping). I can't imagine how all of the new energy drinks and cans of pop are affecting young children and teenagers. E. Blinstrup
I typically try not to rely on caffeine and do ok with it. I will have a diet pop every couple of days for a little boost, but even that does not affect me very much. However, if I ever have a coffee I will be wired for some time throughout the day before I crash. One thing that really gets me is all of the young children and teens drinking more and more of it. So many more coffee drinkers now than I remember, because it's trendy. If it is not coffee it is a different high calorie, high fat sort of "tea" or frozen treat. Another thing that I try to nip in the bud is when my athletes come to practice or competition with a pop or nowadays energy drink. I tell them in the beginning of the season if I see it I will throw it away. It is a diuretic which causes dehydration- the opposite of what you want while working out extensively. And as we know, it will cause a crash as well and contains tons of sugars and random chemicals, so I try to set an example in the gym for the athletes to watch out for it. E. Bostrom
As an athlete I was very proud of my ability to not let food or drink control life. I use to be able to diet and drop weight almost effortlessly, but as I have grown older I just cannot get a handle on the sleep thing. I feel like I am always tired and going to work worn out. Recently I have discovered this amazing concoction called COFFEE. It keeps me awake and makes me feel great in the morning. Recently I have started drinking some energy drinks so I don’t have to drink hot drinks when it is warm. I know it is the caffeine that I crave not the coffee, but it gets me going. I am not addicted because when I sleep in or just get enough sleep I don’t crave it at all. I think that the hectic life style that most people live now days is more to blame for caffeine addiction than trying to look trendy or cool. - David Troyer
With all the obligations each of us face, time crunches, deadlines, it is hard not to rely on a stimulant to help us through the rough patches. Caffeine is a America's drug of choice, a drug yes but a socially "accepted" drug. It helps when we have countless hours of work ahead of us, when we didn't catch enough hours of shut eye, or when we are just feeling cranky and need that lift caffeine gives us. Caffeine comes in many varieties! Yum! Pop, coffee, tea..oh my! What is your caffeine of choice? Emily Kaffel
Links of Interest
Website listing caffeine content of popular beverages and OTC medicine http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm
Interesting articles on the affects Caffeine can have on kids http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/caffeine.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN00549
Information on effects of caffeine if trying to get pregnant http://www.goodpregnancyguide.com/index.php/getting-pregnant/health-diet/
Wikipedia article on caffeine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine
Medline Plus: Caffeine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caffeine.html
Resources
http://www.health.arizona.edu/health_topics/nutrition/general/caffeine.htm
