Many of us rely on coffee to get us through the day, but for a quick boost, other people prefer caffeine pouches. These little sachets, which might have mint or fruit flavors, are placed between the cheeks and gums to provide a rapid injection of caffeine into the circulation. The amount of caffeine in each can reach 200 milligrams (mg), which is approximately twice as much as what is found in a regular cup of coffee.
The caffeine in the pouch is released into the bloodstream after the saliva activates its compounds. The effects of caffeine in coffee are reduced and moderated as it passes through the digestive tract, intestines, and liver on its way to the bloodstream.
Caffeine pouches can be overstimulating due to their rapid absorption and high caffeine level. According to Yoshua Quinones, MD, an internist at Medical Offices of Manhattan, consuming too much caffeine too quickly can lead to several negative effects, such as:
- Jitteriness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headaches
Dr. Quinones says that the pouches’ contents are unknown because not all ingredients are listed, and some may cause allergies or GI issues. If you have a medical condition or take medications, be cautious about using caffeine pouches, he adds. Read the article
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