What does a doctor have to say about how much caffeinated coffee is safe on a daily basis?
“According to multiple studies, for people in generally good health, up to about 200 mg of caffeine a day is acceptable for most people,” says Marc I. Leavey, MD, a primary care physician with 40-plus years of experience.
Dr. Leavey continues, “With a standard six ounce cup of brewed coffee containing about 100 mg, this would be about two coffee cups daily.
“Remember that coffee cups are six ounces, not eight, so that 12 ounce mug holds two cups.”
Caffeine isn’t the only ingredient in coffee to be aware about.
“Along with the caffeine, there are other substances in coffee which are physiologically active,” says Dr. Leavey.
“Indeed, coffee made with a French Press may have substances which influence serum lipids; filtered coffee removes those substances in the brewing.
“Instant coffee is also lacking those chemicals, and likely is lower in caffeine (for regular instant) than brewed coffee.
“Some studies have suggested there may be toxins in instant coffee, but these are likely at very low levels, ft at all, and may or may not be of clinical significance in typical coffee drinkers.”
Dr. Leavey was formerly with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, where his focus was primary care and internal medicine. He has a blog, STRING OF MEDICAL PEARLS.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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