Food supplements containing caffeine

Consumer advice for food supplements containing caffeine

"Close-up view of several roasted coffee beans, showcasing their rich brown colour, textured surface, and distinctive shape.

What is a food supplement?

A food supplement is defined as 'any food the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet, and which is a concentrated source of a vitamin or mineral or other substance with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination and is sold in dose form'.

A wide range of nutrients and other ingredients might be present in food supplements. These can include:

  • vitamins
  • minerals
  • amino acids
  • essential fatty acids
  • fibre
  • various plants and herbal extracts

Caffeine in food supplements

Caffeine is a substance that is found naturally in many products such as tea and coffee and it is one of the most widely consumed stimulants worldwide.

Caffeine is commonly added to food supplements, and it is often marketed with physiological effects such as increased focus and performance enhancement. Caffeine is not a vitamin or mineral, but it does fit the definition of a substance with a physiological effect, and it can therefore be used as an ingredient in food supplements.

Caffeine food supplements can often contain high levels of caffeine, sometimes from multiple ingredients which may themselves be a source of caffeine intake (e.g. kola nuts, guarana, certain tea leaves such as black tea etc). As caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, stimulatory effects may begin 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion and may last for a number of hours exerting physiological effects or leading to side effects (e.g. headaches, nausea etc).  

How to avoid excessive caffeine consumption

As with all food supplements, read the label and be mindful of your caffeine intake

  • Neglecting to check the caffeine content per serving could lead to consuming excessive amounts, potentially resulting in adverse effects. Avoid consuming supplements at doses greater than 200mg of caffeine per a single serving or over 400mg of caffeine in servings throughout the day.
  • Limit your caffeine intake in other food sources such as tea, chocolate, energy drinks and coffee throughout the day if you are consuming food supplements containing caffeine.
  • If pregnant, limit your intake food supplements containing caffeine and be aware of labelling on products that state "Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women".

Reporting a food safety incident

If you believe a food supplement containing caffeine which has been supplied is either harmful to health, unfit for people to eat if it exceeds suggested safe levels or does not meet legal requirements, you should report the issue to your Local Authority. Find contact details for your local authority on our website.

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