Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, which is roughly equivalent to four cups of brewed coffee
. This amount is generally not associated with negative health effects for the average adult. For specific groups, the recommendations differ:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to limit caffeine intake to about 200-300 mg per day to reduce potential risks
- Children and adolescents should consume much less caffeine, with guidelines suggesting less than 3 mg per kilogram of body weight daily (e.g., about 120 mg for a 40 kg child)
- People planning to become pregnant are often recommended to limit caffeine to around 300 mg per day
Excessive caffeine intake can cause symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, upset stomach, irritability, insomnia, fast heartbeat, and tremors
. Also, caffeine powder or liquid in concentrated forms can be toxic and dangerous
. In summary:
- Healthy adults: up to 400 mg/day
- Pregnant/breastfeeding women: up to 200-300 mg/day
- Children/adolescents: much lower, based on body weight
These guidelines help balance caffeine's stimulating benefits with minimizing potential adverse effects
