Growing awareness of caffeine sensitivity drives shift in consumption

CAFFEINE powers millions through the day, but for a growing number of people it can trigger unwanted effects, such as jitters, headaches, anxiety and disrupted sleep.

- SUNDAY TRIBUNE REPORTER

As more consumers experience these reactions, they are rethinking not only how much caffeine they consume, but also when they consume it.

Caffeine remains the world’s most widely consumed stimulant and is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and even certain medications.

Yet individuals respond to it very differently. Caffeine sensitivity is also different from a caffeine allergy, which is rare and involves an immune system reaction rather than difficulty tolerating caffeine’s stimulant effects.

About 40% of people are fast metabolisers, meaning they break caffeine down quickly and it doesn’t stay in their system for long. Around 50% are intermediate metabolisers, sitting somewhere in the middle in terms of both how strongly and how long they feel its effects. The remaining 10% are slow metabolisers, which means caffeine stays in their system longer and even small amounts can lead to stronger or more prolonged effects, such as jitteriness, rapid breathing, nausea and/or insomnia.

Because caffeine affects the central nervous system, its impact can vary significantly from person to person, influencing both physical and psychological well-being.

Some women may also become more sensitive to caffeine during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal changes affecting sleep and caffeine metabolism.

Research published by Mayo Clinic linked caffeine intake to more bothersome menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.