Why Caffeine Affects People Differently

From habits to genetics, several factors determine how caffeine affects you.

By Kareem Clark
May 10, 2022 3:00 PMMay 10, 2022 3:01 PM
Caffeine
(Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Caffeine, found in many products like coffee, energy drinks, soda, teas and chocolate, is the most commonly consumed stimulant worldwide. An estimated 85% of Americans drink at least one caffeinated beverage daily, with each person consuming an average of 165 mg of caffeine per day — equivalent to about one and a half cups of coffee.

For some, this amount is not enough to stay alert throughout the day, but could turn others into a jittering mess. So how does caffeine affect the body, and why might people react differently to its stimulatory effects?

How Caffeine Affects the Body

While proven safe in reasonably large doses, caffeine is a drug — a substance that changes the body’s mental or physical state. And accomplished caffeine physiologist Astrid Nehlig, Ph.D., Emeritus Research director at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, explains how it exerts its widely coveted effects.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.