Experts say that decaffeinated coffee is not caffeine-free
A new study by University of Florida researchers: Coffee addicts who switch to decaf for health reasons may not be as free from caffeine's clutches as they think.
A lot of people advised to avoid caffeine because of certain medical conditions like hypertension. They should be aware that even decaffeinated brew can come with a kick, that's what UF researchers report in this month's Journal of Analytical Toxicology.
"If someone drinks five to 10 cups of decaffeinated coffee, the dose of caffeine could easily reach the level present in a cup or two of caffeinated coffee," said co-author Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., a professor and director of UF's William R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine. "This could be a concern for people who are advised to cut their caffeine intake, such as those with kidney disease or anxiety disorders."
Despite caffeine's widespread use, most medical texts have no guidelines for intake. Though it is possible that even low doses might adversely affect some people. A two-phase study was set out to gauge just how much caffeine is likely to turn up in decaffeinated coffees.
First they purchased 10 16-ounce decaffeinated drip-brewed coffee beverages from nine national chains or local coffee houses and tested them for caffeine content. Caffeine was isolated from the coffee samples and measured by gas chromatography. Every serving but one - instant decaffeinated Folgers Coffee Crystals - contained caffeine, ranging from 8.6 milligrams to 13.9 milligrams.
In comparison, an 8-ounce cup of drip-brewed coffee typically contains 85 milligrams of caffeine.
In the study's second phase, scientists analyzed 12 samples of Starbucks decaffeinated espresso and brewed decaffeinated coffee taken from a single store. The espresso drinks contained 3 milligrams to 15.8 milligrams of caffeine per shot, while the brewed coffees had caffeine concentrations ranging from 12 milligrams to 13.4 milligrams per 16-ounce serving.
Even though the amount of caffeine in these coffees is considered low, some people could conceivably develop a physical dependence on the beverages. One has to wonder if decaf coffee has enough, just enough, caffeine to stimulate its own taking.
"Certainly, large cups and frequent cups of decaf would be expected to promote dependence and should be contraindicated in those whose doctors suggested caffeine-free diets." - expert says.
And even moderate caffeine levels can increase agitation, anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure in some susceptible individuals.
Studies showed that caffeine doses as low as about 10 milligrams and can produce reliable subjective and behavioral effects in sensitive individuals.
So how many people are sensetive enough to decaf? More than 30 percent can discriminate the subjective effects of 18 milligrams or less. And the present study shows that many decaffeinated coffee drinks deliver caffeine at doses above these levels.
So, coffee-lovers should remember that decaffeinated is not the same as caffeine-free! Also people who are trying to eliminate caffeine from their diet should be aware that popular espresso drinks such as lattes can deliver as much as about 31 milligrams of caffeine.
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