Most of us regularly consume significant amounts of caffeine in some way. For example, regularly brewed coffee has 80 to 135 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Coke has 35mg, 7-Up has none, and tea has 40mg. Red Bull has 80mg in eight ounces, about three times as much caffeine per ounce as coca cola. One No-Doz pill has 100mg and Excedrin has 65mg.

Caffeine is on the list of drugs banned by the International Olympic committee. However, one would likely have to have had over 500mg of caffeine in a two to three hour period for it to be detected in a urine drug test

Research has shown that a cup of coffee, or the equivalent amount of caffeine, may possibly help an athlete (a tiny bit), but that any more likely has detrimental effects. Caffeine may make one jittery and less aware of fatigue, creating greater risk of injury. For most people it is a diuretic and will not only enhance the possibility of dehydration, but also act as a laxative.

Long term there may be larger issues:

1. Possible addiction with withdrawal systems resulting from regular use of 350mg or more daily;

2. Possible birth defects or premature birth if taken during pregnancy;

3. Negative effect on baby if mother is consuming caffeine during the breastfeeding stage;

4. Possible increased risk of heart disease, especially among heavy smokers;

5. Increased gastric acid (may make heartburn or ulcer worse);

6. Possible reduction of ability to absorb iron in anemics.

Finally, a cup of coffee with two sugars and cream has close to 100 calories and a coke has 150 calories. A coke a day can add a pound of weight every three weeks...and not beneficial weight!

P.S. Mountain Dew does have more caffeine, but “only” 55mg per 12 ounce serving.