The most consumed psychoactive substance in the world today is caffeine, with coffee being its most common source [1]. It is a stimulant that can improve mental and physical energy and alertness. This is why more people need their daily coffee dose to get on with their daily activities. But there are times when people can’t be bothered with their busy schedules, and they are looking for a more subtle yet practical way to consume coffee. And this is when caffeine gummies come into the picture.
Caffeine gummies became a popular alternative as an easy-to-use and convenient source of caffeine. But this practical way of consuming coffee is relatively new in the market, and people still need to find out its safety and effectiveness.
In this article, we will explore caffeine gummies, their benefits, uses, and possible side effects. Lastly, we will provide some tips on the responsible and safe consumption of this new product.
What are Caffeine Gummies?
Caffeine gummies are supplements in gummy form infused with caffeine which stimulates the nervous system and increases mental sharpness and focus. Caffeine gummies may have extra flavors like pumpkin spice, chocolate, and sweeteners. The caffeine content in these gummies varies, but it can be anywhere between 40 and 200 milligrams per gummy.
Benefits of Caffeine Gummies
Being a relatively new product, caffeine gummies are one of the easiest ways to consume caffeine. The following benefits we will cover in this section mainly focus on the benefits of caffeine and why people are still taking caffeine to boost their productivity and mental alertness throughout the day.
Caffeine gummies are considered to be a new but more convenient way to consume caffeine. We will cover the caffeine benefits as this is what makes these gummy supplements appeal to the public.
Increase energy and alertness
Caffeine can increase energy and alertness by blocking adenosine. It is a neurotransmitter that accumulates in the brain throughout the day, making us feel sleepy [2]. As a result, other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine increase in the brain, making us feel alert and energetic [3].
Improve physical performance
Caffeine can also help increase fat availability as a fuel source for muscles during exercise. As a result, gymgoers and bodybuilders can perform longer and harder workouts [4].
Enhances cognitive function and memory
Research suggests that caffeine can enhance better memory and brain function as it increases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter handles learning and memory [5].
But caffeine tolerance from different people must vary. This means that some people may experience an energy boost from a small caffeine consumption, but others may need a higher dose to feel the same benefit.
Uses of Caffeine Gummies
Using caffeine gummies may be beneficial in certain situations. It could be helpful when you have a long day at work or school and need a quick energy boost to keep you productive. Another example is during sports training or competition, as research suggests that caffeine improves endurance and physical performance in athletes [5].
And if you need better focus at work or school, then a quick dose of caffeine gummies might be useful. And because it is an easy-to-use form, you can easily access caffeine boost helping you more energize to complete tasks or activities.
Furthermore, it can be suitable for people who don’t enjoy the taste of coffee or energy drinks. You may choose a flavor that suits your taste and consume them when you’re on the go or discreetly.
Although there could be various situations that caffeine gummies can be useful, it’s still important not to be dependent on them. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are more favored over caffeine gummies to cover up your lack of sleep or unhealthy habits.
Risks of Consuming Caffeine Gummies
As with any substance, consuming caffeine gummies can come with potential risks. Some of the most common risks of consuming caffeine include jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations. These risks can be mitigated by consuming caffeine in moderation and discussing it with a healthcare professional.
Additionally, over-consuming caffeine gummies can lead to overdose, which can be dangerous. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects that outweigh the potential benefits.
Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others, and for them, even a moderate amount of caffeine can cause negative effects.
Another risk to consider is that caffeine gummies can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood pressure medications. Check with your healthcare professional before consuming caffeine gummies if you take any prescription medications.
Lastly, consuming caffeine gummies can lead to addiction or dependence on caffeine. It’s essential to consume them in moderation and not rely on them too heavily.
Caffeine Gummies: Recommended Dosage and Factors that Affect Absorption and Metabolism
Caffeine gummies can be a convenient and easy-to-consume form of caffeine, but it’s important to be aware of the recommended dosage and not exceed it.
The recommended daily dose of caffeine for most healthy adults is up to 400mg per day, roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of soda, or two energy shots.
Moreover, the factors that affect the absorption and metabolism of caffeine vary depending on the individual. Here are some factors that can affect the absorption and metabolism of caffeine.
- Genetics: Some people metabolize caffeine faster or slower than others due to genetic variations.
- Medications: Certain medications can interact with caffeine and affect its metabolism, so be sure to check with a healthcare professional before consuming caffeine gummies if you are taking any prescription medications.
- Food and drink: Consuming caffeine with food or high-fat meals can slow down its absorption and make the effects take longer to kick in.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can increase the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can affect the metabolism of caffeine and make it last longer in the body.
It’s always good to start with a lower dosage of caffeine gummies and gradually increase it as needed, and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to use any new supplement.
Bottomline: Benefits of Caffeine Gummies
Caffeine gummies are caffeine supplements in gummy form that is a convenient and easy-to-consume way of getting a quick energy fix. There are also different flavors you can choose from in case you are not a huge fan of drinking coffee but want to get caffeine’s benefits. But there could be potential side effects when you rely on them too much, like jitteriness, insomnia, heart palpitations, and anxiety.
At the end of the day, nothing beats a balanced and nutritious meal to get the energy boost that you need at school or work. A complete sleep every day can also lessen the feeling of sleepiness and lack of focus to help you get through the day.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Daly JW, Holmén J, Fredholm BB. Ar koffein beroendeframkallande? Världens mest nyttjade psykoaktiva substans påverkar samma delar av hjärnan som kokain [Is caffeine addictive? The most widely used psychoactive substance in the world affects same parts of the brain as cocaine]. Lakartidningen. 1998 Dec 16;95(51-52):5878-83. Swedish. PMID: 9889511.
- Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G. Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1992 May-Aug;17(2):139-70. doi: 10.1016/0165-0173(92)90012-b. PMID: 1356551.
- Alasmari F. Caffeine induces neurobehavioral effects through modulating neurotransmitters. Saudi Pharm J. 2020 Apr;28(4):445-451. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.02.005. Epub 2020 Feb 17. PMID: 32273803; PMCID: PMC7132598.
- Hodgson AB, Randell RK, Jeukendrup AE. The metabolic and performance effects of caffeine compared to coffee during endurance exercise. PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e59561. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059561. Epub 2013 Apr 3. PMID: 23573201; PMCID: PMC3616086.
- Jarvis MJ. Does caffeine intake enhance absolute levels of cognitive performance? Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1993;110(1-2):45-52. doi: 10.1007/BF02246949. PMID: 7870897.
