What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Caffeine
11 snips
Jul 22, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Andy Smith, an Occupational and Health Psychologist from Cardiff University, tackles the fascinating intricacies of caffeine. He explains how caffeine can enhance sports performance and its perilous combination with alcohol. The conversation also dives into the historical 'caffeine wars' that shaped its regulation. Smith shares insights into caffeine's potential health benefits and risks, especially its impact on sleep and anxiety, shedding light on safe consumption practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Caffeine Wars Accelerated Research
- The "caffeine wars" were controversies that increased research volume and quality on caffeine's effects.
- This led to a substantial body of knowledge clarifying benefits and risks of caffeine.
Safe Caffeine Consumption Limits
- Limit caffeine intake to about 400 mg a day, roughly four strong cups of coffee.
- Sensitive individuals and pregnant women should consume less to avoid anxiety and fetal risks.
Caffeine Restores Not Enhances
- Caffeine restores about 10% of impaired function due to fatigue.
- The caffeine effect is essentially reversing fatigue, not enhancing performance beyond baseline.