Spring Break
The Buzz on Caffeine: MSU's Perfect Drug
Feghhi, Alicia
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Feature
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A drug pervades the campus of MSU. Similar to amphetamines or other hazardous narcotics, it increases one's breathing, heartbeat and metabolic rate. Taken in large doses, it produces unpleasant effects and severely jeopardizes one's health. Yet it's a tool for college survival - a popular late-night study aid, a mid-day pick-up and a way to face the morning.
Caffeine: The World's Most Perfect Drug
Marina Kushner, author of The Truth about Caffeine, wants students to wake up to "the real truth" about caffeine. To start, she says caffeine is made in the leaves and seeds of many plants. Natural sources include coffee or coffee beans, green or black tea leaves, guarana, yerba and cocoa beans. It is also an ingredient produced synthetically and added to foods and beverages, including some sodas, chocolate, iced mocha drinks, tea and many energy drinks like Red Bull (80 milligrams).
The Food and Drug Administration allows a maximum of 72 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving. Some medications contain the stimulant, including Excedrin (30 milligrams). The amount of caffeine is rarely listed on a product label, but the ingredient list will tell you if it has traces.
Moderate doses of caffeine, ranging from 200-300 milligrams a day (about two to three cups of brewed coffee) aren't harmful, according Kushner, the founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance, a New York-based non-profit organization committed to provide objective information and evidence about caffeine abuse and addiction. However, excessive caffeine consumption, over 500 milligrams a day (over three cups of coffee), can cause irritability, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and diarrhea.
One of the popular forms of caffeine among students is the pill. Students may purchase NoDoz and Vivarin, which each contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, to keep them awake while pulling an all-nighter.
Students favor caffeine for its short-term "high." Kushner says the physiological effects start 15 to 45 minutes after ingestion. Within 30 to 60 minutes, it enters the central nervous system. This results in the aforementioned symptoms.
Caffeine: The World's Most Perfect Drug
Marina Kushner, author of The Truth about Caffeine, wants students to wake up to "the real truth" about caffeine. To start, she says caffeine is made in the leaves and seeds of many plants. Natural sources include coffee or coffee beans, green or black tea leaves, guarana, yerba and cocoa beans. It is also an ingredient produced synthetically and added to foods and beverages, including some sodas, chocolate, iced mocha drinks, tea and many energy drinks like Red Bull (80 milligrams).
The Food and Drug Administration allows a maximum of 72 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving. Some medications contain the stimulant, including Excedrin (30 milligrams). The amount of caffeine is rarely listed on a product label, but the ingredient list will tell you if it has traces.
Moderate doses of caffeine, ranging from 200-300 milligrams a day (about two to three cups of brewed coffee) aren't harmful, according Kushner, the founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance, a New York-based non-profit organization committed to provide objective information and evidence about caffeine abuse and addiction. However, excessive caffeine consumption, over 500 milligrams a day (over three cups of coffee), can cause irritability, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and diarrhea.
One of the popular forms of caffeine among students is the pill. Students may purchase NoDoz and Vivarin, which each contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, to keep them awake while pulling an all-nighter.
Students favor caffeine for its short-term "high." Kushner says the physiological effects start 15 to 45 minutes after ingestion. Within 30 to 60 minutes, it enters the central nervous system. This results in the aforementioned symptoms.