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What’s the Recommended Daily Caffeine Intake for Men? Surprising!

a young Asian man is drinking coffee in cafe

Regardless of gender, the FDA recommends that all adults should keep their caffeine intake under 400 mg a day.1 However, men metabolize caffeine more slowly than woman, so they may want to limit their caffeine intake further. Certain populations, such as seniors and pregnant women, may be advised to limit their intake even further. Despite the same guidelines across genders, studies have shown that men respond to caffeine differently than women—in a negative way. Continue reading to learn more about daily caffeine intake for men.

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How Men Respond to Caffeine

In one Japanese study, the researchers found that 50% of the men who were surveyed drank coffee as opposed to only 32.8% of the women. Another study examining behavior of college students discovered that females were more likely to drink coffee than men, but males were more likely to down an energy drink. As you can see, the results are sometimes ambiguous and depend on the population in question. However, both surveys concluded that men consume more caffeine than women, regardless of the drink.

Interestingly enough, the male body doesn’t process caffeine as efficiently as the female system. As a result, males are more likely to suffer the negative consequences of caffeine and at an elevated degree. A 2010 study examined males and females working under stressful situations. There was a placebo group for each gender that was given decaf coffee. The study found that women who drank caffeinated coffee functioned higher than any other group. However, men who drank coffee under stress performed their tasks less efficiently than any group.

There have been multiple studies examining caffeine consumption regarding testosterone levels and fertility. The findings aren’t conclusive enough to make any official statement, but the current theory is that caffeine boosts testosterone production, but may limit fertility and even increase the risk of miscarriage.

man drinking a cup of coffee
Image Credit: Chris Benson, Unsplash

Symptoms of Caffeine Overdose

Men and women both exhibit the same symptoms when they have excessive amounts of caffeine. Keep in mind that while the FDA recommends no more than 400 mg, that’s a general estimate that doesn’t take individual health into account. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Because a man’s body metabolizes caffeine more slowly than a woman’s, men are more likely to be sensitive to caffeine than females. Regardless of gender, you might have had too much caffeine if you have:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Panic or general anxiety

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In Conclusion

While the FDA recommends the same caffeine limit for both genders, studies have shown that men’s bodies do not handle caffeine as efficiently. If you notice any symptoms of caffeine overdose, you might want to scale back your caffeine consumption even more. Individual health will always be a bigger factor than gender stereotypes and a healthy caffeine level is really determined by your body’s metabolism.


Featured Image Credit: Ronnachai Palas, Shutterstock

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Brooke

If there's a pencil and paper on her desk, Brooke Bundy has a cup of coffee (or tea) in her hand. Brooke worked in a coffee shop for three years while she finished her Bachelor's degree in Media Studies, and studied to be a writer. She met her future husband in the coffee shop where he lingered too long over deep conversations and dark roast coffee. Now they're happily married in New Orleans, LA, where they spend their free time exploring parks and cafes with their dog Tuggles.

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