From the Research
The risk of muscle twitching with a caffeine dose of 800 milligrams is approximately 13-14%. At this high dose of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 8 cups of coffee, muscle twitching becomes a common side effect as caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can increase neuromuscular excitability. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors and increasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions or twitches, particularly at doses exceeding 400mg daily.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent and highest quality study on the effects of caffeine on neuromuscular fatigue, published in 2022 1, indicates that caffeine significantly improves voluntary activation, potentiated twitch, and M-wave, which can be used as characteristic indexes of caffeine's impact on neuromuscular fatigue.
- Other studies have shown that high doses of caffeine can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, which can result in muscle twitching and other side effects 2.
- Health authorities generally recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400mg per day for most healthy adults, making 800mg a significantly high dose that exceeds recommended safety thresholds for regular consumption.
Associated Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
- Digestive issues It's essential to note that individual tolerance to caffeine can vary greatly, and some people may experience more severe side effects at lower doses. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and adjust caffeine intake accordingly. The study by 2 highlights the importance of considering the dose of caffeine and its potential effects on neuromuscular performance and side effects.