Cited by 48Coffee research and impactsSleep and Work-Related FatigueBlood Pressure and Hypertension Studies

Central and peripheral effects of sustained caffeine use: tolerance is incomplete

Open access
Watson, Joanne, Deary, Ian, Kerr, David·2002·British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Abstract

Aims It is widely held that tolerance develops to the effects of sustained caffeine consumption. This study was designed to investigate the effects of chronic, staggered caffeine ingestion on the responses of an acute caffeine challenge, during ­euglycaemia. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers were randomized using a double‐blind, cross‐over design to take either 200 mg caffeine (C‐replete) or placebo (C‐naïve) twice daily for 1 week. Following baseline measurements being made, the responses to 200 mg caffeine (blood‐pressure, middle cerebral artery velocity, mood and cognitive performance) were examined over the subsequent 120 min. Blood glucose was not allowed to fall below 4.0 mmol l−1. Results After the caffeine challenge, middle cerebral artery blood velocity decreased in both conditions but was greater in the C‐naïve condition (−8.0 [‐10.0, −6.1] cm s−1vs−4.9 [‐6.8, −2.9] cm s−1 C‐replete, P < 0.02). Systolic blood pressure rise was not significantly different in C‐naïve, although this rise was more sustained over time (P < 0.04). Mood was adversely affected by regular caffeine consumption with tense aspect of mood significantly higher at baseline in C‐replete 11.6 ± 0.6 C‐naïve vs 16.3 ± 1.6 C‐replete, P < 0.01). Cognitive performance was not affected by previous caffeine exposure. Conclusions Overall these results suggest that tolerance is incomplete with respect to both peripheral or central effects of caffeine.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a double-blind crossover study, sustained caffeine use attenuated but did not abolish central and peripheral responses to an acute 200 mg caffeine challenge. The authors conclude that tolerance to caffeine is incomplete for vascular effects, while cognitive performance showed no differential effect.

Key findings

  • Middle cerebral artery blood velocity decreased after caffeine challenge in both conditions, but more in C-naïve than C-replete: −8.0 [−10.0, −6.1] cm s⁻¹ vs −4.9 [−6.8, −2.9] cm s⁻¹, P < 0.02.
  • Systolic blood pressure rise was not significantly different between conditions (+8.7 [2.1, 13.4] mmHg C-naïve vs +4.5 [0.8, 8.3] mmHg C-replete, P = 0.13), but the AUC for change over time was significantly different (P < 0.04). Initial diastolic rise was greater in C-naïve (+5.5 [3.2, 8.6] vs +1.1 [−0.8, 3.0] mmHg, P < 0.005), with AUC difference P = 0.055.
  • Tense mood was higher at baseline in C-replete (16.3 ± 1.6 vs 11.6 ± 0.6 C-naïve, P < 0.01) and decreased more after caffeine in C-replete (−4.7 [−7.5, −1.9] vs −1.1 [−2.6, −0.34], P < 0.02).
  • Cognitive performance was not affected by prior caffeine exposure: four-choice reaction time improved by 0.02 ± 0.01 s in both conditions, and VCD/VMD did not improve in either condition.

Methods

  • Double-blind, randomized, crossover design: healthy regular caffeine consumers took either 200 mg caffeine (C-replete) or placebo (C-naïve) twice daily for 1 week, then received an acute 200 mg caffeine challenge; the abstract reports 12 healthy volunteers randomized, while the Methods states 14 gave informed consent.
  • Measurements included heart rate and blood pressure, middle cerebral artery blood velocity via transcranial Doppler, UWIST mood scores, four-choice reaction time, visual change detection, and visual movement detection; blood glucose was maintained above 4.0 mmol l⁻¹.
  • Analysis used summary measures, AUC by trapezoidal method, maximum response, and paired Student’s t-tests, with results as means with 95% CI or mean ± s.e.mean.

Limitations

  • The paper does not state a formal limitations section; it notes that identifying population health effects “requires careful, further investigation.”
  • Evident from the text: the sample was small (12 randomized per the abstract; 14 consented per Methods), healthy, regular caffeine consumers aged 23–38 years, limiting generalizability.
  • Evident from the text: the supplementation period was only 1 week, and the acute challenge was conducted during euglycaemia with glucose maintained above 4.0 mmol l⁻¹, so findings may not extend to other durations or metabolic states.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01681.x

Cites

49 of 49 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 17 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Caffeine consumption in the C-replete state was associated with a greater decrease in tense mood (-1.1 vs -4.7, P<0.02).

    “Caffeine consumption in the C-replete state was associated with a greater decrease in tense mood (-1.1 [-2.6, -0.34] C-naïve vs -4.7 [-7.5, -1.9] C-replete, P < 0.02).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The decrease in V MCA was sustained for the duration of the study.

    “The decrease in V MCA was sustained for the duration of the study (Figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Baseline tense mood was significantly higher in C-replete than C-naïve (11.6 vs 16.3, P<0.01).

    “Baseline measurements were significantly different (11.6 ± 0.6 C-naïve vs 16.3 ± 1.6 C-replete, P < 0.01).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The difference in diastolic blood pressure AUC between C-naïve and C-replete was not statistically sustained for the study duration (P=0.055).

    “In contrast the initial rise in diastolic blood pressure was greater in the C-naïve condition ( + 5.5 [3.2, 8.6] mmHg C-naïve vs + 1.1 [-0.8, 3.0] mmHg C-replete, P < 0.005) but this difference was not statistically sustained for the study duration (AUC C-naïve vs C-replete P = 0.055) (Figure 2b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the C-replete state, the caffeine challenge caused a significant rise in systolic blood pressure at 30 min.

    “In the C-replete state, the caffeine challenge caused a significant rise in systolic blood pressure at 30 min but this was not significantly different from the rise in Cnaïve study ( + 8.7 [2.1, 13.4] mmHg C-naïve vs + 4.5 [0.8, 8.3] mmHg C-replete, P = 0.13).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 12
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 7
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    After the caffeine challenge, middle cerebral artery blood velocity decreased in both conditions but was greater in the C-naïve condition (-8.0 vs -4.9 cm/s, P<0.02).

    “After the caffeine challenge, V MCA decreased significantly in the both conditions, although this was more marked during the C-naïve condition ( -8.0 [ -10.0, -6.1] cm/s C-naïve vs 4.9 [ -6.8, -2.9] cm s -1 C-replete, P < 0.02) (mean difference [95%CI]).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Caffeine consumption improved energetic mood in both conditions, but this effect was not significantly different between conditions (P=0.24).

    “Whilst caffeine consumption improved energetic mood in both conditions this effect was not significantly different between conditions (P = 0.24) (Figure 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Baseline V MCA, heart rate and blood pressure were similar in both studies.

    “Baseline V MCA , heart rate and blood pressure were similar in both studies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Hedonic mood increased significantly from baseline during C-naïve only (+2.9, P<0.05), but the increase was not significantly different between conditions (P=0.51).

    “Hedonic mood increased significantly from baseline during Cnaïve only (increase in hedonic mood score + 2.9 ± 1.2 above baseline, P < 0.05), although the increase observed was not significantly different between conditions (P = 0.51) (Figure 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The two study periods were performed at least 2 weeks apart to avoid carry-over effect.

    “They were performed at least 2 weeks apart to avoid any carry-over effect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The order of treatments was counter-balanced across participants.

    “The order was counter-balanced across participants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Caffeine was measured by an enzyme immunoassay with intra- and inter-precision of 4.0% and 3.9% and lower limit of quantification 0.10 mmol l-1.

    “The intra-and interprecision of this assay is 4.0% and 3.9%; the lower limit of quantification 0.10 mmol l -1 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Subjects were familiarized with the study protocol to minimize practice effects on cognition tests.

    “The first session served to familiarize the subjects with the study protocol, which helped to minimize practise effects on the cognition tests.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The study used a double-blind, randomized, crossover design with 200 mg caffeine or placebo twice daily for 1 week.

    “Twelve healthy volunteers were randomized using a double-blind, crossover design to take either 200 mg caffeine (C-replete) or placebo (C-naïve) twice daily for 1 week.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Blood glucose was maintained above 4.0 mmol l-1 to avoid confounding by hypoglycaemia.

    “Throughout, blood sugar was maintained above 4.0 mmol l -1 by ingestion 3-6 g of glucose when blood glucose < 3.9 mmol l -1 ; thus avoiding the confounding effect of hypoglycaemia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Tolerance was not demonstrated in performance (4 CRT) nor improvements in positive aspects of mood.

    “In contrast tolerance was not demonstrated in performance (4 CRT) nor improvements in positive aspects of mood.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Overnight abstinence is enough for sensitivity to be recovered and at best tolerance is partial.

    “Given that caffeine consumption is associated with 10-12 h of overnight abstinence with more caffeine consumed in the morning than afternoon hours, it can be demonstrated that overnight abstinence is enough for sensitivity to be recovered and that at best tolerance is partial.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Chronic caffeine consumption is associated with increased anxiety, tension, restlessness, nervousness and anger.

    “It has been demonstrated with free-living and laboratory studies that chronic caffeine consumption is associated with increased anxiety, tension, restlessness, nervousness and anger [29][30][31].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [29] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [31] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Caffeine has been shown to narrow attention and increase selectivity of information processing.

    “whilst caffeine has been shown to narrow attention and thus increase selectivity of information processing [42,43]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [42] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [43] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Daily caffeine consumption was associated with an increase in tense mood, which resolved after further caffeine consumption.

    “Interestingly daily caffeine consumption was associated with an increase in tense mood, which resolved after further caffeine consumption.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Caffeine consumption shows a dose-response relationship with improved cognitive performance with no evidence for tolerance.

    “Overall caffeine consumption showed a dose-response relationship with improved cognitive performance with no evidence for the phenomenon of tolerance to caffeine.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] source

      Not checked in the free run.

16 of 16
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Changes in middle cerebral artery velocity reflect changes in cerebral blood flow because calibre changes in the vessel are small.

    “Although measurement of V MCA assumes that calibre changes in the vessel are small, alterations in V MCA reflect changes in cerebral blood flow during euglycaemia and hypoglycaemia [22].”
1 of 1

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Some studies have shown that habitual consumption results in tolerance to the acute effects of caffeine, while others have found that some individuals continue to experience these acute effects with each drinking episode and that tolerance disappears after 12 hours of abstinence.

    “Some studies have shown that habitual consumption results in a tolerance to the acute effects of caffeine, 18,19 while others have found that some individuals continue to experience these acute effects with each drinking episode 20,21 and that the tolerance disappears after 12 hours of abstinence.22”

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • C-replete cerebral blood velocity change has conflicting signs

    Minor

    The Results report a positive 4.9 cm s−1 change for the C-replete condition, while the abstract reports −4.9 cm s−1. The negative confidence interval in the Results also conflicts with its positive point estimate.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 50 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. James JE., 1997, Understanding Caffeine. A Biobehavioural Analysis
  2. Sorteberg W., 1992, Transcranial Doppler, 57

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Watson, J., Deary, I., & Kerr, D.
Affiliations
  • Royal Bournemouth Hospital (GB)
  • University of Edinburgh (GB)
Corresponding author
Kerr, David
Venue
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2002-10
Volume
54
Issue
4
Pages
400-406
ISSN
  • 0306-5251 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2125
OpenAlex
W1496048461
Cited by
47
References
50
Citations by year
2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2012: 2
FWCI
1.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Coffee research and impacts
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies
Keywords
caffeine, caffeine tolerance, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity, cerebral blood flow, systolic blood pressure, mood, cognitive performance, normoglycemia
MeSH terms
Adult, Affect, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Blood Flow Velocity, Blood Pressure, Caffeine, Cognition, Double-Blind Method, Humans, Psychometrics, Cross-Over Studies, Middle Cerebral Artery

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