Finals bring studying and caffeine

Expert says caffeine dangerous when mixed with other substances

By Kirsten Coachman
The Collegian

With finals sneaking up on Fresno State students, caffeinated drinks seem to be the beverage of choice for those planning on pulling all-nighters in preparation.

There are many forms of caffeine to consume, and students can find coffee, soda, energy drinks available on campus. Soda seems to stand out as the most frequently consumed caffeinated product.

Graduate student John Hernandez, an English major, consumes Dr Pepper, Pepsi and Mountain Dew regularly to get his caffeine fix.

Hernandez blames an addiction to caffeine as his reason for regular consumption.

“When I feel the need for caffeine, I have some no matter what the time,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez is not alone in his caffeine impulses.

“I drink a lot of soda. That is my main caffeine intake,” Kalyn Piepkorn, a mass communication and journalism major said.

Piepkorn said she consumes caffeinated drinks like Diet Pepsi and Dr Pepper almost everyday on a regular basis.

Piepkorn said she likes soda mostly because of the taste, but lack of caffeine also causes moodiness and headaches. She said caffeinated drinks sometimes help keep her awake in her classes.

Piepkorn said she does not think soda should be a morning drink, and tends to only consume it in the afternoon or at night.

“I will consume [soda] whenever I want to or have access to it,” Piepkorn said.

Caffeine may be put on a pedestal by students who consume it, but it does have some downfalls to consistent consumption.

“Caffeine is a stimulant. In mild doses it is probably harmless, but in large doses can make people feel anxious and potentially cause cardiac problems. Too much stimulant can make it hard to sleep,” nutritionist Stephanie Morris from University Health and Psychological Services said.

Morris said there are potential problems with too much caffeine no matter what the source.

“Many experts consider moderate caffeine consumption to be about 300 milligrams each day. A lethal dose of caffeine is estimated at 10 grams,” Morris said.

A current additional twist to caffeinated drinks, is the current trend of mixing alcohol with energy drinks.

One of the latest energy drinks containing alcohol to hit the market is called Catalyst, and is currently being marketed by Fresno State entrepreneurship major Jacob Stone. Catalyst contains six percent alcohol by volume, and has 50 milligrams of caffeine.

“I think it is an interesting product, because it is easier and cheaper than mixing Red Bull or other energy drinks with vodka,” Stone said. “With most of our fast paced lifestyles, we get pretty tired by the end of the day and need a little kick with our alcohol. That’s where Catalyst comes in.”

Morris said college students are not aware the effects of mixing energy drinks and alcohol can be dangerous.

“There is concern that when the stimulant effect of the energy drink wears off, the depressant effects of the alcohol will remain, and could cause problems such as respiratory depression or vomiting while asleep,” Morris said. “The stimulant effect can give the person the impression that they aren’t impaired. Even though a person may feel very alert, their blood alcohol content level may be high.”

Morris said best way to have energy and be productive is to eat right, get some exercise each day and make getting enough quality sleep a priority.

“If you enjoy caffeine containing beverages include them in moderation. Don’t expect to score better on tests or have increased athletic performance just from consuming them,” Morris said.

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