Studies Done to Show the Negative Effects of Caffeine

There have been many studies showing the negative effects of caffeine. Even when used in moderation, caffeine can have some serious side effects.

Withdrawal

• According to research at Johns Hopkins University (2004), caffeine users can have withdrawal symptoms even if their normal caffeine use is very small (only one cup of coffee). Symptoms commonly include headache, fatigue and irritability, but can be so severe as to cause distress or impairment.

Impairment

• According to an article in Orthomolecular Psychiatry by Sanford Bolton, Ph.D. and Gary Null, M.S.,
  a 1975 study by J. Murdoch Ritchie showed that, while caffeine can reduce fatigue and increase focus, it has a negative effect on fine motor control. These effects appear at a very low dose, about one to two cups of coffee.

Drug Interactions

• According to Bolton and Null's article, studies by G. Pakes (1979) and B.A. Berkowitz, et al (1971), showed that caffeine combined with MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) can cause headaches and high blood pressure.

Behavior Disruption

• Bolton and Null's article states that in a 1976 study of mice, C. Castellano found that caffeine enhanced the mice's natural tendencies but disrupted trained behaviors that went against these tendencies. This effect was similar to that of hallucinogenic drugs.

Pregnancy

• According to a 2008 study by Dr. De-Kun Li, pregnant women who consume more than 200 mg of caffeine a day (about 10 ounces of coffee), especially in their first three to four months of pregnancy, are more likely to miscarry.