American Heart Association says up to five cups of coffee a day are safe for most adults
The American Heart Association’s new statement says most adults can safely consume about 400 mg of caffeine – roughly five 8-ounce cups of coffee – daily, while higher caffeine levels found in energy drinks may pose cardiovascular risks.
The American Heart Association released a statement on Monday indicating that most adults can safely drink up to five cups of coffee a day, providing roughly 400 mg of caffeine. The guidance focuses on plain brewed coffee without added sweeteners, dairy, or flavorings, which typically contains 75 to 160 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving.
"Caffeine and Cardiovascular Disease," the statement notes, highlights a link between moderate coffee consumption and lower risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, heart failure and certain irregular heart rhythms, while also noting a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions.
The association cautioned that caffeine levels common in energy drinks – 40 to 69 mg per fluid ounce – are associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers emphasized that most existing studies are observational and cannot establish cause and effect, calling for further investigation into caffeine’s impact from coffee and other sources.