Caffeine Sensitivity

Caffeine sensitivity is how quickly (or slowly) you feel the stimulating effects of caffeine or how much it affects you. Levels of caffeine sensitivity vary widely. Some people don’t feel anything after having a shot of espresso. Others are wide awake after eating a small piece of chocolate. Your sensitivity to caffeine can also change based on factors like the medications you’re taking.

Most adults can safely have up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day without experiencing any negative effects. Caffeine has many benefits, like boosting your energy and fighting inflammation. But some people have a higher sensitivity to it, and others have a lower sensitivity.

Caffeine sensitivity is different from a caffeine allergy or caffeine intolerance. A caffeine allergy is when your immune system mistakenly thinks caffeine is a harmful invader and reacts to try to get rid of it. Caffeine sensitivity is also a different condition from caffeine overdose or caffeine toxicity. This occurs when you consume more caffeine than your body can handle.

What are the symptoms of caffeine sensitivity?

Caffeine sensitivity impacts your central nervous system. It can cause your heart to race, increase your blood pressure and give you heart palpitations. Other symptoms of caffeine sensitivity include:

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Anxiety
• Jitters
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Irritability

What are the symptoms of a caffeine allergy?

You can tell the difference between caffeine sensitivity and caffeine allergy by the symptoms. Caffeine allergy symptoms include:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Swelling of your lips, tongue or throat
• Trouble breathing
• Anaphylaxis

Caffeine sensitivity causes

Caffeine sensitivity can happen for different reasons, including:

• Genetics: Certain genetic changes (variations) may affect the speed at which your body absorbs and uses caffeine. Research suggests that variations in the CYP1A2 and ADORA2A genes can influence how your liver metabolizes caffeine. People with these genetic variations take longer to process caffeine and may feel its effects more strongly.
• Medications: Certain medications and herbal supplements can increase caffeine’s effects on your body. Medications like bronchodilators and supplements like echinacea can delay caffeine from metabolizing. So, your body may experience prolonged, intense effects.
• Daily habits: If you regularly consume large amounts of caffeine, your body may build up a tolerance to it. So, you may need higher amounts to get the same effects. This can lead to an increased sensitivity to caffeine.

How do I know if I have caffeine sensitivity?

If you notice your heart racing or you feel jittery after your morning coffee, you might be sensitive to caffeine. If so, you might want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. It’s important to read product labels. Many foods, drinks and medications contain caffeine. So, you may be consuming more than you realize. Try keeping a food diary to track your caffeine intake. You may wish to cut out all forms of caffeine. Then, you can slowly add it back in to figure out when your symptoms start.

If your sensitivity to caffeine continues to cause problems, you may want to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Providers don’t have a specific test to diagnose caffeine sensitivity. But they may recommend genetic testing. Genetic testing can tell you if you have a gene variation that affects your body’s ability to metabolize caffeine.

How do you treat caffeine sensitivity?

Treatment for caffeine sensitivity involves watching how much caffeine you consume. You may want to cut back on the amount you take in. See if limiting caffeine reduces your symptoms. But make sure you reduce your caffeine intake slowly. If you’re physically dependent on the stimulant, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These include headache, nausea and anxiety.

After you’ve reduced your consumption, you may wish to cut it out of your life altogether. Continue to check product labels. And try new beverage choices, like decaffeinated coffee or even water.

You can also speak with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns. They can help you figure out other ways to reduce your caffeine intake and manage your sensitivity.

What is the outlook (prognosis) of caffeine sensitivity?

Caffeine sensitivity isn’t usually life-threatening. It can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. But you should be able to manage them by cutting back or eliminating your intake of caffeine.

Make sure to read product labels for hidden sources of caffeine. It can be found in more than just coffee and tea. Foods and beverages like chocolate, soda and even some ice creams contain caffeine. Over-the-counter products like herbal supplements and some headache medicines contain it, too. If cutting back doesn’t help, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Can caffeine sensitivity be prevented?

If you find that you’re highly sensitive to caffeine, it’s helpful to know that you can prevent the condition. Cutting back or eliminating caffeine altogether can reduce symptoms. Reduce your intake slowly. You may be able to tolerate a lower amount. Or you may have to stop consuming it.

Either way, there are alternatives to caffeine. You can try decaffeinated coffee or tea. “Half-caff” — a 50/50 blend of regular and decaffeinated coffee — is an option. Or you may just want to stick with water.