Let's Poke Holes in Popular Caffeine Myths

You must have heard these popular caffeine myths before, but do you actually believe they are true? Let's explore. 

If you’re a fan of coffee, tea, or even soda, you’ve probably heard a couple myths about caffeine. These myths are so widespread that people take them as facts. We’re here to address the most popular caffeine myths and look at what’s actually known. 

7 Popular Caffeine Myths:

1. Caffeine is addicting

This myth might be the most popularly believed one. Caffeine is a stimulant, and if you drink coffee regularly, you become accustomed to the feeling that caffeine brings. As a result, you’ll have the “need” to have coffee when you wake up in the morning.

Whether that counts as an “addiction” depends on who you ask. According to Addiction Center, the American Psychiatric Association does not currently identify caffeine addiction as a substance use disorder, but it does recognize caffeine withdrawal. Mayo Clinic notes that suddenly cutting caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and crankiness, which are most often mild and get better after a few days. So it’s fair to say many of us depend on our morning cup, even if “addiction” is a debated label.

2. Caffeine is generally bad for you

Coffee and caffeine in general often have a negative reputation. The reality is more nuanced. For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams of caffeine a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. To put it in perspective, Mayo Clinic says 400 mg is about the amount of caffeine in:

• 4 cups of brewed coffee
• 10 cans of cola
• 2 “energy shot” drinks

Caffeine also affects some people more than others, and too much can bring side effects like headaches, trouble sleeping, jitters and an upset stomach. If you want to read more, we’ve written about whether instant coffee is good for you, how professional athletes drink coffee and coffee before a workout.

3. Pregnant women should not have caffeine

It goes without saying that pregnancy comes with a lot of questions about what to eat and drink, and caffeine is one of the most common.

For anyone, if it’s not consumed in moderation, too much caffeine can lead to side effects such as an upset stomach, headaches, nervousness, and trouble sleeping. When it comes to pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200 mg per day) does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth, and the FDA recommends that anyone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding talk to their health care provider about whether they need to limit caffeine.

So it isn’t necessarily all-or-nothing, but it’s a conversation to have with your doctor. For more, see our guide to coffee during pregnancy.

4. Caffeine is dehydrating

You might feel dehydrated or have a dry mouth after drinking a cup of coffee. Caffeine does have a diuretic effect: MedlinePlus explains that it helps your body get rid of extra salt and water by urinating more, which is why coffee can send you running to the restroom. However, you won’t lose more fluid through urine than you take in by drinking a caffeinated beverage.

In fact, a 2014 study in PLOS ONE found no evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake among regular coffee drinkers, and the researchers point to earlier work suggesting regular caffeine consumption may lead to a tolerance to its diuretic effect.

5. Coffee can sober you up

Although drinking coffee may help you feel more awake, it doesn’t sober you up. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that cold showers, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose. You may feel less tired and sluggish, but nothing about your alcohol intake has changed or magically reversed. That being said, don’t expect to sober up with a cup of coffee and expect to do your everyday tasks easily (and never drive!).

6. Caffeine can stunt your growth 

It’s a common belief that caffeine can stunt the growth of children and teens. A medically reviewed Healthline article found no evidence that drinking coffee has any effect on height. That doesn’t make caffeine a kids’ drink, though: MedlinePlus notes that children and teens shouldn’t have as much caffeine as adults and that children can be especially sensitive to its effects. If you have questions about caffeine and your kids, ask their pediatrician.

7. Caffeine is linked to cancer

This question has been studied by health scientists for decades. According to the American Cancer Society, an international expert panel in 2016 could not conclude that drinking coffee is carcinogenic based on the evidence available, and links between coffee and specific types of cancer are still unclear. In other words, the research is ongoing, and there’s no simple answer either way.

 

Another myth debunked: instant coffee is not always bad. Try ours!

This article is for general information only and isn't medical or nutritional advice. If you have questions about caffeine, your diet or a health condition, talk to your doctor.