Is it true you can overdose on caffeine?

By Stacey Spivey, KETK Reporter

TYLER , TX (KETK) — A new study says caffeine poisoning is real. The extra cups of coffee, or large coke at lunch could make you overdose on caffeine. “I do think there is such thing as an overdose on caffeine, its going to vary from person to person, body weight, what they normally do exercise wise, but theres a fine between caffeine being a good thing, and crossing over to being a bad thing,” said Blake Huffman, a nutritionist at Total Nutrition in Tyler. He believes the problem is people don’t realize how much caffeine they consume because “manufacturers hide it in their labels, I think personally, you don’t understand how much you’re getting in a day.”

Huffman says about 200 milligrams a day is safe, but some store bought coffees have up to 300 milligrams in one cup. If you consume too much caffeine, Huffman said in the future, “blood pressure raises, cholesterol pressure raises, and things just start to trickle down after that.”

“Its not any surprise to me, I’m sure you can relate with having had a little too much, and you get a little jittery or ill feeling,” said John Hamamy. He said he usually drink 3 to 4 cups a day, and has experienced nausea and a jittery feeling whenever he’s had too much.

So what can you do to get that extra energy boost? Total Nutrition said to take multi-vitamins, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Its also a good idea to keep track of everything consumed because “people just don’t understand how much is in the things they’re doing each day,” said Huffman.

However, if taken in moderation, caffeine isn’t all that bad for you. Some studies say it could be a potential protector from diseases such as Parkinson’s, and maybe even cancer.