While individual tolerance levels vary for daily coffee consumption across the board, going beyond the recommended amount of caffeine intake can lead to adverse effects such as jitteriness and a rapid heart rate.
In severe cases, overconsumption of caffeine can result in a condition known as caffeine intoxication or overdose.
What is caffeine intoxication? The dangers of caffeine
Caffeine intoxication occurs when an individual has excessively high levels of caffeine in their system, manifesting in a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms including difficulty breathing and seizures.
There have been instances where people have died as a result of caffeine intoxication.
It is pertinent to be aware of the signs of caffeine intoxication and the factors that can increase the risk of overdose, as prevention is key when it comes to avoiding such complications.
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Symptoms of caffeine intoxication
Experiencing caffeine intoxication goes beyond the typical caffeine-induced headache that occurs when an individual consumes an excessive amount of caffeine.
The FDA recommends a daily limit of no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine for healthy adults, roughly equivalent to four to five cups of coffee.
Consuming slightly more than this limit may lead to symptoms such as anxiety and irritability, according to registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, reports CNN.
However, more severe effects associated with caffeine intoxication typically arise when an individual consumes around 1,200 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to approximately 12 cups of coffee.
Neurological symptoms like anxiety, hallucinations, migraines, cerebral swelling, and seizures have been documented in cases of caffeine intoxication. Difficulty breathing is also a complication.
Although rare, caffeine intoxication can potentially be fatal, with most reported deaths linked to the ingestion of multiple high-dose caffeine pills, with the potency varying between brands due to lack of FDA regulation.
