Caffeine Safety Review: Maximum Safe Doses & Health Risks
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Despite decades of widespread use, caffeine’s safety profile remains impressively solid when consumed in moderation. This exhaustive review looked at toxicology data from thousands of subjects and concluded that typical intakes are safe for most adults, though risks rise sharply at higher doses or with individual sensitivity.
Key Takeaways
- ≤400 mg/day is generally recognized as safe for healthy adults.
- Pregnant individuals should limit to ≤200 mg/day to reduce fetal exposure.
- Toxicity is rare and typically linked to energy drinks or supplements exceeding 1 g caffeine.
- Children and adolescents metabolize caffeine more slowly and should keep intake modest.
Actionable Tip
A few cups of coffee daily is safe for most adults. Avoid high-dose pre-workout powders or stacking multiple caffeine sources.