Gender Differences in the Frequency of Positive and Negative Effects after Acute Caffeine Consumption

Abstract

Gender-specific caffeine-related adverse effects should be thoroughly investigated. Sixty-five adult participants were included in the study, 30 men and 35 women (age, 22.5 ± 2.8; body weight, 71.7 ± 16.2 kg; BMI, 23.6 ± 4.4). The participants who were classified as low and moderate caffeine users received 3 mg/kg, and high caffeine users received 6 mg/kg of caffeine in one dose. One hour after ingestion of caffeine and within twenty-four hours, the participants completed a side effect questionnaire. Effects after the ingestion of CAF were divided into two subgroups: negative (muscle soreness, increased urine output, tachycardia and palpitations, anxiety or nervousness, headache, gastrointestinal problems, and insomnia) and positive (perception improvement; increased vigor/activeness). Caffeine ingestion resulted in a statistically significant association between gender and negative effects one hour after ingestion (p = 0.049). Gender and positive effects one hour after ingestion (p = 0.005), and between gender and positive effects within 24 h after ingestion (p = 0.047). There were significant associations between gender and perception improvement (p = 0.032) and gender and increased vigor/activeness (p = 0.009) one hour after ingestion. Nearly 30% of men and 54% of women reported negative effects. At the same time, 20% of women and more than 50% of men reported positive effects. Gender is an important factor in the negative and positive effects of caffeine consumption.