It can also provide migraine relief in some cases.
Some studies are looking at whether it protects against Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.
Caffeine pills are a popular form of caffeine that can be found in local pharmacies and online.
Piotr Wytrazek / Getty Images
The pills are a concentrated form ofcaffeinethat can substitute forcoffeeor other caffeinated drinks.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Piotr Wytrazek / Getty Images
Benefits: Should You Try Caffeine Pills?
Caffeineis a substance found in more than 60 plants.
It is also synthetically made and added to food, drinks, and as caffeine pills.
Caffeine has been studied for its many health benefits.
When proper amounts are taken, caffeine can improve physical performance, memory, and more.
Read on to learn the benefits of caffeine.
Physical Performance
Caffeinehas been found to improve physical performance during exercise or sports.
Endurance and strength also improved in participants taking caffeine.
Aerobicendurance (such as in running or cycling) tends to have the most significant benefit from caffeine.
However, effects vary from person to person.
The effects can continue to be felt for four to six hours afterward.
Migraine and Headache Relief
People who haveheadachesor migraines may find caffeine relieves their pain.
Caffeine is an ingredient in many headache medications, including Excedrin and Midol.
Treating headaches and migraines with caffeine should be limited to no more than two days per week.
People who take caffeine can become dependent on it and can experience more frequent migraines.
Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Several studies are looking into caffeine’s effect ondementiaandAlzheimer’s disease.
A 2021 study found a decrease in cognitive decline over 126 months of caffeine use.
Participants in the study used coffee as a form of caffeine.
Cardiovascular Protection
A 2017 study found significant heart protection with caffeine consumption throughcoffee.
(Note that the terms for sex or gender from the cited source are used.)
Side Effects: Should You Try Caffeine Pills?
Caffeine affects each person differently.
Some people are very sensitive to it, whereas others do not feel its effects as intensely.
As such, the side effects of caffeine pills will vary from person to person.
Over time, they will need to take more caffeine to produce the same results.
Children and adolescents should avoid caffeine in drinks and pills.
Caffeine Pills vs. vs. Energy Drinks
There is no one source of caffeine that is better or safer than others.
Always check labels to learn how much caffeine is in each product.
There is no question as to how much caffeine you would be consuming if taking a pill.
Yet, the pills are so concentrated that it is easy to take too much.
The caffeine content of regularcoffeecan vary, but not by a significant amount.
Coffee also offers antioxidant properties that make it beneficial to the consumer.
Energy drinksare another beverage choice that has caffeine.
These drinks are generally not the best choice when looking for something with caffeine.
They tend to be high in sugar and have a large amount of caffeine.
Which Caffeine Pills Are Safe?
When looking for caffeine pills it can be difficult to know which ones are safe.
Look for products that have been tested by an independent party.
ensure to read the labels and know how many milligrams of caffeine are in each pill.
What Dosage Is Probably Safe for Caffeine Pills?
There is no set safe level ofcaffeinefor children andadolescents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not encourage caffeine use in those age groups.
Drink alternatives include energy drinks, green tea, and black tea.
Two options that are less commonly sought out for a caffeine boost are chocolate and guarana.
Its extract can be found in food, energy supplements, and energy drinks.
Summary
Caffeine pills are a safe form of caffeine when taken in proper amounts.
Due to the concentrated form of a caffeine pill, it is easy to take too much.
There are health benefits to caffeine and some significant side effects as well.
Always talk to a healthcare provider if you are unsure caffeine pills are safe for you.
2017;18(1):107. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0806-2
American Migraine Foundation.Caffeine and migraine.
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Food & Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
Harvard School of Public Health.Caffeine.
