Substances Containing Caffeine–Friend or Foe: A Review

Caffeine is the most widely used and commercialized pharmacological active substances in the world. It is found in common beverages such as; coffee, tea, energy drink and even drugs. Performance benefits attributed to intake of caffeine include; physical endurance, reduction of fatigue, and enhancing mental alertness and concentration, and it has been believed by many researchers that moderate consumption of substance containing stimulants is considered safe and its uses as food ingredient within certain/control limits, by many regulatory agencies around the world but despite all the benefits attributed to caffeine, the potential side effects of excessive intake of substances containing caffeine should also be considered, particularly among children and pregnant women which is why this research gives a comprehensive review into the composition, consumption, safety and regulatory measures of commercially sold substances containing caffeine