Meta Information

ID:caffeine

Name:Caffeine

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
• Methyltheobromine

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost of coffee, tea, or supplemental caffeine pills.

Summary

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that primarily acts by antagonizing adenosine receptors, which promotes wakefulness and alertness. Its healthspan relevance stems from large observational studies linking regular consumption (primarily from coffee and tea) with reduced risk for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers.

Purpose

A CNS stimulant linked to lower all-cause mortality.

Card Summary

A widely used stimulant found in coffee and tea, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors to increase alertness. Large observational studies associate its consumption with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease.

Drug Class

methylxanthine

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Strong observational data links it to reduced all-cause mortality and neurodegeneration.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

7.5

Justification:

Massive, consistent observational studies, but lacks long-term healthspan RCTs.

Safety

Score:

3.5

Justification:

Generally safe at typical doses but can cause anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations.

Flags

• Can significantly disrupt sleep architecture; avoid consumption within 8-10 hours of bedtime.
• Individuals with 'slow metabolizer' CYP1A2 gene variants may have increased cardiovascular risk.
• High doses can induce anxiety, palpitations, and gastrointestinal distress.
• Can interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics and antidepressants.
• Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability.

Verdict

A well-evidenced, low-cost habit for alertness and potentially lower mortality risk.

Created

2026-04-27T00:52:00.846924Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

multiple

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that primarily acts by antagonizing adenosine receptors, which promotes wakefulness and alertness. Its healthspan relevance stems from large observationa...

Typical Protocol

• Consume 100-400mg daily, primarily in the morning to avoid sleep disruption.
• Cycle off caffeine periodically (e.g., one week per month) to reset tolerance.