Caffeine: what effects on the body?

When we talk about caffeine, we immediately associate it with coffee. It is one of the most consumed drinks in the world to wake up in the morning, or to regain energy during the day. Caffeine is precisely the active element which gives it its stimulating and energizing effects.

Why is coffee so popular?

When asking someone about their coffee consumption, it's common to hear answers like: "because I like the aroma" or "to give me energy in the morning." Coffee is primarily seen as a source of comfort, but it also serves as a little “boost”. Caffeine gives coffee its reputation as a stimulant.

After drinking coffee, the level of attention, alertness and concentration increases. This drink can be consumed to combat fatigue, drowsiness and the risk of falling asleep. This is why many people like to enjoy this hot drink first thing in the morning, mid-morning, or to boost their energy early in the afternoon. In addition, caffeine increases adrenaline levels, which allows everyone to push their limits. Some people even notice an improvement in their physical performance after consuming a certain dose of coffee.

Caffeine, a stimulating molecule

Caffeine, discovered in 1918 as the active ingredient in coffee, takes its name from this drink. Coffee is an integral part of the daily lives of many consumers around the world. In fact, coffee ranks as the second most popular drink worldwide.

However, coffee is not the only carrier of caffeine. The latter is also found, in its natural form, in tea and chocolate. Additionally, energy drinks and sodas contain caffeine, either naturally occurring or in additive form.

There are many caffeine-enriched products on the market that claim to provide an energy boost . Among these alternatives, we distinguish candies and gummies containing caffeine. In addition to being pleasant to consume, these products benefit from the energizing effects of caffeine.

Additionally, caffeine is also included in some prescription and over-the-counter medications. These caffeine-based products are designed to relieve coughs, colds and even mild pain.

The effects of caffeine on the body

Caffeine works by neutralizing the sedative effect caused by the activation of certain brain receptors. Which explains why it is mainly consumed to maintain vigilance and wakefulness.

The stimulating effects (or psychostimulant effects) of caffeine

After entering the brain, caffeine has an antagonistic effect on adenosine receptors. The latter is a substance released during brain activity which provides a calming effect. Adenosine is produced throughout the day to help you fall asleep in the evening.

When consumed, caffeine directly blocks adenosine receptors. It thus reduces drowsiness signals and stimulates wakefulness.

The energizing and anti-fatigue effects of caffeine

Regular consumption of caffeine can, in fact, increase energy levels and attention by stimulating cognitive abilities. This scientific study demonstrates that caffeine consumption strengthens alertness and counteracts the effects of lack of sleep. Caffeine can therefore be of invaluable help in combating states of fatigue experienced during the day.

By blocking the secretion of adenosine, caffeine causes a stimulating effect. It therefore helps to increase energy levels, improve mood and other aspects of brain function.

So, drinking coffee or consuming a caffeine-based product is an excellent solution to stay alert throughout the day. By promoting concentration, caffeine helps boost productivity at work and make it easier to accomplish daily tasks.

The pain-relieving effects of caffeine 

In terms of pharmaceutical health, caffeine has a slight pain-relieving effect. However, its main advantage is to accelerate the absorption of other substances, such as paracetamol. This is why some painkillers contain paracetamol as well as caffeine.

Side effects of caffeine

The majority of consumers do not seem to react to the effects of caffeine. However, for those who experience a pronounced stimulant effect after consuming it, they may experience the following symptoms:

• restlessness, nervousness and irritability;
• palpitations and tremors;
• muscle tensions and contractions;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• sleep problems (insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, etc.).

Please note: we all react differently to caffeine consumption due to genetic differences. The effects of caffeine vary depending on age, gender and drinking habits. For some people, caffeine just doesn't produce the same effect, whether consuming a small drink or a large amount of caffeine.

Can you become addicted to caffeine?

 

In healthy adults, moderate caffeine consumption does not appear to cause long-term dependence or health risks. However, the risk of caffeine addiction is still debated. It is possible that excessive and regular consumption of caffeine promotes addictive behaviors. Just as is the case for other substances such as alcohol, tobacco or even THC .

However, it should be noted that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed caffeine from its list of doping substances in 2004. Many athletes consume caffeine during their training to optimize their performance.

Caffeine gummies from Délicure

Délicure offers gummies enriched with caffeine , vegan and sugar-free. These soft candies, with stimulating effects, have a delicious coffee taste. They offer a delicious way to combat daily fatigue and sluggishness.

Caffeine is commonly consumed by millions of consumers to combat fatigue signals during the day. Caffeine gummies are perfect for those who want to reduce fatigue or improve concentration. They are convenient to take anywhere, whether in the car to stay awake during a commute, or at work to boost productivity.

Gummies are transforming the way coffee is consumed by combining the pleasure of a candy with the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Chewing a few gummies in the morning or during the day provides an immediate boost. As is the case with all food supplements, it is recommended to consume caffeine gummies as part of a balanced diet. It is best to consult the advice of a doctor or nutrition health professional before consumption by children and pregnant/lactating women.

* Scientific study: Kamimori GH, Johnson D, et al. Multiple caffeine doses maintain vigilance during early morning operations . Aviat Space Environ Med. 2005 Nov;76(11):1046-50.