Date of Award

8-11-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Vanessa Bester

Abstract

Background: Caffeine is the world’s most consumed psychoactive stimulant, with many different sources. Many individuals drink caffeine for the wakefulness effect, but there are many secondary effects that might be unknown to most consumers.

Purpose: This review explores the trends in caffeine consumption, how our bodies process caffeine, the potential benefits and adverse effects of caffeine, and the health benefits associated with natural sources. It also examines the ingredients found in energy drinks, such as vitamin B complexes and taurine.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Augsburg Lindell Library, NIH National Library of Medicine, and Google Scholar. Using the search terms caffeine, coffee, energy drink, tea, natural sources, functional drink, physiology, benefits, vitamin B, yerba mate, adverse effects, and trends. Inclusion criteria were studies that were peer-reviewed, textbooks, or were published in a reputable science journal. Exclusion criteria were individualized studies that were published before 2018. Studies that did not focus on health aspects of caffeine consumption were excluded.

Conclusions: Consumer energy drinks have unique supplementation that are beneficial for certain qualities of health, however, there seems to be more negatively associated effects with chronic use. Natural sources of caffeine tend to have more health benefits.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2024.Byaliy.M.

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