Mar 06

Coffee ‘no boost in the morning’

That morning latte or espresso may not be the pick-me-up people think it
is, a study has revealed.

University of Bristol researchers say the caffeine eases
withdrawal symptoms which build up overnight, but does not make people more
alert than normal.

The work, presented to the British Nutrition Foundation
conference, showed only people who have avoided coffee for a while will get a
buzz from caffeine.

But the British Coffee Association said regular drinkers did
feel more alert.

Those who swear by their morning caffeine fix say it wakes
them up, and if they missed out they would feel sluggish and unable to get on
with their day.

But the Bristol researchers, who carried out a review of
previous studies into the effects of caffeine, say all the drink does is
counteract the mild caffeine withdrawal symptoms people are experiencing because
they have gone without the stimulant overnight.

And those who drink a caffeinated drink first thing are no
more alert than those who never consume one.

‘Back to normal’

Professor Peter Rogers, a biological psychologist who led the
research, told the BBC: “We do feel a boost from caffeine in the morning, but
that’s probably due to a reversal of the withdrawal symptoms.

“That alertness you feel is you getting back to normal, rather
than to an above normal level.

“That morning boost is what people think is useful about
caffeine, but if that doesn’t happen, maybe it’s not that useful after all.”

Professor Rogers said caffeine did have some benefits, such as
preventing cognitive decline in the elderly.

But he said it was usually be best to opt for decaffeinated
drinks - although the odd coffee could help.

“If you’re not a regular consumer, you might get something out
of one or two drinks. But once you’re a regular consumer, you’re in a cycle of
withdrawal reversal.”

Zoe Wheeldon, of the British Coffee Association, said the
research was interesting.

But she added: “There are two sides to the debate and a wealth
of scientific evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption of four to five
cups per day is perfectly safe for the general population and does have a
beneficial effect on alertness and performance even in regular coffee drinkers.”