Drivers who wish to stay awake and students studying for exams may rely on caffeine to help them stay alert. The parents of young children might wish to limit their children's consumption of foods containing this stimulant close to bedtime. Pregnant women may wish to choose products with less caffeine or entirely eliminate caffeine from their diet. Others might wish to limit their caffeine intake to help prevent such side effects as nervousness, irritability, or sleeplessness. Health Canada should conduct a study about the health effects of caffeine and determine what other actions should be taken to inform the public about side effects of caffeine.
Caffeine is the only drug that is widely added to the food supply.
It is consumed by a large proportion of the population. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant. Scientific research has demonstrated that caffeine consumption affects reproduction, behaviour, and bone-mineral metabolism and has negative nutritional consequences for children. Health Canada should conduct a thorough review of the effects of caffeine on health and behaviour to determine if further regulatory or educational actions should be taken to inform consumers about adverse effects associated with caffeine consumption.