Caffeine may be used to impart a bitter taste to some food and beverage products, and some products may also contain caffeine for its well-known pick-me up qualities.
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a natural alkaloid found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, cola nuts and other plants. Cola beverages and energy drinks also contain caffeine and are popular worldwide and are often the major source of caffeine in younger groups. Caffeine is also added to many analgesics, and caffeine pills are sold in pharmacies as stimulants.
Soft drinks are the most consumed caffeine-containing beverage in America. Over 60% of soft-drinks sold in the United States contain caffeine, as a flavor additive.
Caffeine produces its behavioral effects through adenosine receptor antagonism and subsequent changes in many neurotransmitter systems. This results in increased alertness, and caffeine may be especially beneficial in low arousal situations (e.g., working at night, prolonged work, or sleep deprivation). It improves performance on tasks that are impaired when alertness is low (vigilance and sustained response).
According to FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and Health Canada, caffeine consumption of up to 400 mg daily is not associated with adverse health effects in the general healthy population of adults.
Caffeine: Additive in soft drink
