From the Guidelines
Consuming 500mg of caffeine and 2 teaspoons of salt may cause twitching primarily in the eyelids, hands, legs, and facial muscles, with severity ranging from barely noticeable to moderately disruptive. This combination can lead to muscle twitching because caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases neurotransmitter activity, while the high salt intake can disrupt electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium levels, as noted in studies on the effects of caffeine and salt intake 1. The severity depends on individual factors like caffeine tolerance, hydration status, and pre-existing conditions. To reduce these symptoms, decrease caffeine intake to below 400mg daily, stay well-hydrated with water, and maintain balanced electrolyte levels, as recommended by guidelines on healthy eating patterns and caffeine consumption 1. People with heart conditions, hypertension, or kidney problems should be particularly cautious with this combination as it could exacerbate their conditions, as highlighted in research on dietary recommendations for prevention of atherosclerosis 1 and clinical practice guidelines for Meniere's disease 1. Most muscle twitches from this combination are temporary and resolve once the substances are metabolized and eliminated from the body, typically within 4-12 hours depending on individual metabolism. Key considerations include:
- Limiting daily sodium intake to less than 2,400 mg, as recommended by guidelines on nutrition in children with chronic kidney disease 1
- Restricting caffeine intake to 400 mg or less per day, as advised by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 1
- Staying hydrated with water and maintaining balanced electrolyte levels to reduce the risk of muscle twitching and other adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
Signs and symptoms reported in the literature after caffeine overdose in preterm infants include ... fine tremor of the extremities, hypertonia, opisthotonos, tonic-clonic movements, nonpurposeful jaw and lip movements ...
The muscles likely to twitch after consuming 500mg of caffeine and 2 teaspoons of salt are those of the extremities. The severity can range from fine tremor to tonic-clonic movements, which may be indicative of a serious condition.
- Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) may also occur, leading to stiffness and rigidity.
- Opisthotonos (a state of hyperextension and spastic rigidity) is a possible severe outcome. Key words: tremor, hypertonia, opisthotonos, tonic-clonic movements 2
From the Research
Muscles Affected by Caffeine and Salt Consumption
The consumption of 500mg of caffeine and 2 teaspoons of salt can lead to muscle twitches due to the effects of caffeine on mineral metabolism and muscle function.
- Caffeine can increase the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride 3, 4, leading to an imbalance of these minerals in the body.
- The increased excretion of potassium can cause hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness and twitching 5.
- Caffeine can also affect the composition and volume of the terminal cisternae in skeletal muscle, leading to an increase in magnesium content and a release of calcium 6.
- The influence of caffeine on mineral metabolism can lead to a negative balance of potassium, sodium, and inorganic phosphate, which can affect muscle function 7.
Severity of Muscle Twitching
The severity of muscle twitching caused by caffeine and salt consumption can vary depending on individual factors, such as the amount of caffeine and salt consumed, individual tolerance, and underlying medical conditions.