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| Meta Title | How Much Coffee Is Too Much? Here’s What the Science Says | |||||||||
| Meta Description | Adults can have up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. More than four cups of coffee daily may be too much and can cause headaches, insomnia, and irritability. | |||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | It's generally safe to drink
four 8-ounce (oz) cups of coffee per day
,
or about 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. If you drink more than that, you may feel anxious, jittery, or nauseous. Consuming too much coffee can also negatively affect heart health and pregnancy.
1
2
That said, there are health benefits to drinking coffee. Caffeine has antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory compounds
that may protect against Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and liver disease.
3
4
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, so the amount of caffeine needed to cause unwanted side effects varies.
Moderate side effects include:
2
Facial flushing
Anxiety
or restlessness
Having to urinate more frequently
Increased heart rate
Stomach upset
More severe side effects, usually from very high caffeine intake, include:
2
Feeling disoriented
Hallucinations
While moderate
coffee
consumption is safe, drinking more than four 8-oz cups daily can increase the risk of certain health complications.
1
Caffeine Sensitivity
If you drink too much coffee, you might feel jittery, irritable, or
nauseous
.
Some people may be more sensitive to these effects than others due to variants in
the
CYP1A2 gene
, which controls how fast you metabolize caffeine.
6
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
7
A study published in 2019 found that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may increase the risk of heart disease by up to 22%. Large quantities of coffee can cause
high blood pressure
, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
6
Pregnancy Complications
Caffeine raises heart rate and metabolism, which can affect the fetus during pregnancy. This stimulant can cross the placenta and may have negative effects on fetal development.
8
Research has shown that drinking too much coffee during pregnancy can increase the risk of:
9
Low birth weight
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation:
Pregnant people should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily
(the equivalent of one 12-oz cup of coffee).
10
Coffee contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce your risk of several conditions, including:
4
3
Alzheimer's disease
:
This is the most common type of dementia. Research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may protect the brain against this condition.
11
Cancer:
Coffee has been shown to
reduce the risk of some cancers
, such as prostate and endometrial cancer. It may also protect against melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer.
Heart disease:
Coffee is a source of phenols. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against heart disease. Some evidence also suggests that 1-3 daily cups of coffee may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
12
Liver disease
:
Coffee may protect against cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. The compounds found in coffee may decrease inflammation and support liver function.
13
Parkinson's disease:
Some evidence suggests that caffeine may block adenosine A2A receptors, which are expressed in people with Parkinson's disease.
14
It's generally safe to drink up to four 8-oz cups of coffee per day. Consider reducing your caffeine intake if you have:
8
Acid reflux or stomach ulcers
Chronic headaches
Fast or irregular heart rhythm
High blood pressure
Painful, lumpy breasts
Sleep problems
Stress or anxiety
Consider reducing your caffeine intake slowly to avoid
caffeine withdrawal
. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
8
Headaches
Irritability
Nausea | |||||||||
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# How Much Coffee Is Too Much? Here’s What the Science Says
By
[Samantha Lauriello](https://www.health.com/author/samantha-lauriello)
[Samantha Lauriello](https://www.health.com/author/samantha-lauriello)
Samantha Lauriello is a social media strategist and editor. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor.
[health's editorial guidelines](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046)
Updated on January 16, 2026
Medically reviewed by
[Amelia MacIntyre, DO](https://www.health.com/amelia-macintyre-8407218)
![Amelia MacIntyre, DO]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/AmeliaMacIntyreMD-ffd98b75d0ea4a948c5ce68c5f86b9de.jpeg)
Medically reviewed by [Amelia MacIntyre, DO](https://www.health.com/amelia-macintyre-8407218)
Amelia MacIntyre, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician. She is certified in osteopathic medicine.
[learn more](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047)
Close
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-2165665322-f21ef5a24b084ac3a6b6c95d260e7a53.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-2165665322-f21ef5a24b084ac3a6b6c95d260e7a53.jpg)
Drinking too much coffee can lead to certain side effects and health complications.
[EyeEm Mobile GmbH](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/directly-above-shot-of-hands-holding-coffee-cups-on-royalty-free-image/2165665322?phrase=cups%20of%20coffee) / Getty Images
- Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day can cause headaches and insomnia.
- Caffeine can increase your risk of heart disease when consumed in large amounts.
- Pregnant people should have no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily.
It's generally safe to drink **four 8-ounce (oz) cups of coffee per day**,or about 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. If you drink more than that, you may feel anxious, jittery, or nauseous. Consuming too much coffee can also negatively affect heart health and pregnancy.12
That said, there are health benefits to drinking coffee. Caffeine has antioxidants and [anti-inflammatory compounds](https://www.health.com/coffee-inflammation-11679874) that may protect against Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and liver disease.34
### How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee?
[Caffeine](https://www.health.com/effects-of-caffeine-8698957) is a bitter-tasting substance that's found in more than 60 plants, including coffee beans and tea leaves. It is an active ingredient in coffee. There are **about 95 to 200 milligrams** of caffeine in an 8-oz cup of coffee.5
## Signs You're Drinking Too Much Coffee
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, so the amount of caffeine needed to cause unwanted side effects varies.
Moderate side effects include:2
- Facial flushing
- [Anxiety](https://www.health.com/condition/stress/what-causes-stress) or restlessness
- Having to urinate more frequently
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach upset
More severe side effects, usually from very high caffeine intake, include:2
- Feeling disoriented
- Hallucinations
## Health Risks
While moderate [coffee](https://www.health.com/food/health-benefits-of-coffee) consumption is safe, drinking more than four 8-oz cups daily can increase the risk of certain health complications.1
### Caffeine Sensitivity
If you drink too much coffee, you might feel jittery, irritable, or [nauseous](https://www.health.com/nausea-after-eating-7564447).
Some people may be more sensitive to these effects than others due to variants in **the** **CYP1A2 gene**, which controls how fast you metabolize caffeine.6
### Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.7 A study published in 2019 found that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may increase the risk of heart disease by up to 22%. Large quantities of coffee can cause [high blood pressure](https://www.health.com/high-blood-pressure-overview-7505223), which is a risk factor for heart disease.6
### Pregnancy Complications
Caffeine raises heart rate and metabolism, which can affect the fetus during pregnancy. This stimulant can cross the placenta and may have negative effects on fetal development.8
Research has shown that drinking too much coffee during pregnancy can increase the risk of:9
- Low birth weight
- [Miscarriage](https://www.health.com/money/miscarriage-symptoms-side-effects-costs)
- Stillbirth
**American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation:** Pregnant people should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily(the equivalent of one 12-oz cup of coffee).10
Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, M.D.
## Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Coffee contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce your risk of several conditions, including:43
- [**Alzheimer's disease**](https://www.health.com/condition/alzheimers-overview)**:** This is the most common type of dementia. Research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may protect the brain against this condition.11
- **Cancer:** Coffee has been shown to [reduce the risk of some cancers](https://www.health.com/how-to-lower-your-risk-of-cancer-8727955), such as prostate and endometrial cancer. It may also protect against melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer.
- **Heart disease:** Coffee is a source of phenols. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against heart disease. Some evidence also suggests that 1-3 daily cups of coffee may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.12
- [**Liver disease**](https://www.health.com/liver-disease-7561796)**:** Coffee may protect against cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. The compounds found in coffee may decrease inflammation and support liver function.13
- **Parkinson's disease:** Some evidence suggests that caffeine may block adenosine A2A receptors, which are expressed in people with Parkinson's disease.14
## Tips for Consuming Caffeine
It's generally safe to drink up to four 8-oz cups of coffee per day. Consider reducing your caffeine intake if you have:8
- Acid reflux or stomach ulcers
- [Chronic headaches](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines/the-14-different-kinds-of-headaches-you-can-get-and-how-to-treat-each-one)
- Fast or irregular heart rhythm
- High blood pressure
- Painful, lumpy breasts
- [Sleep problems](https://www.health.com/depressive-disorder-overview-7100645)
- Stress or anxiety
**Consider reducing your caffeine intake slowly to avoid** [**caffeine withdrawal**](https://www.health.com/caffeine-withdrawal-7095696). Withdrawal symptoms can include:8
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nausea
Updated by
[Sarah Vanbuskirk](https://www.health.com/sarah-vanbuskirk-11772503)
![Headshot of Sarah Vanbuskirk]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Headshot-SarahVanbuskirk-d6786f7e39fb4085b5f6fa95dca9a2e1.png)
[Sarah Vanbuskirk](https://www.health.com/sarah-vanbuskirk-11772503)
Sarah Vanbuskirk is an experienced journalist and editor who has written for a wide range of local and national publications and websites.
[learn more](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145)
Read more:
- [Wellness](https://www.health.com/wellness)
- [Nutrition](https://www.health.com/nutrition)
- [Eat Well](https://www.health.com/eat-well-6951509)
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Other
14 Sources
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1. Wikoff D, Welsh BT, Henderson R, et al. [Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.002). *Food Chem Toxicol*. 2017;109(Pt 1):585-648. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.002
2. Evans J, Richards JR, Battisti AS. [Caffeine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/). In: *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
3. dePaula J, Farah A. [Caffeine consumption through coffee: Content in the beverage, metabolism, health benefits and risks](https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages5020037). *Beverages*. 2019;5(2):37. doi:10.3390/beverages5020037
4. Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, et al. [Coffee consumption and health: Umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j5024). *BMJ*. 2017;359:j5024. doi:10.1136/bmj.j5024
5. MedlinePlus. [Caffeine](https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html).
6. Zhou A, Hyppönen E. [Long-term coffee consumption, caffeine metabolism genetics, and risk of cardiovascular disease: A prospective analysis of up to 347,077 individuals and 8368 cases](https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy297). *Am J Clin Nutr*. 2019;109(3):509-516. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy297
7. World Health Organization. [Cardiovascular diseases](https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases).
8. MedlinePlus. [Caffeine in the diet](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002445.htm).
9. Brito Nunes C, Huang P, Wang G, et al. [Mendelian randomization study of maternal coffee consumption and its influence on birthweight, stillbirth, miscarriage, gestational age and pre-term birth](https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyac121). *Int J Epidemiol*. 2023;52(1):165-177. doi:10.1093/ije/dyac121
10. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. [How much coffee can I drink while I'm pregnant?](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant)
11. Ikram M, Park TJ, Ali T, et al. [Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of caffeine against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: insight into the role of NRF-2 and A2AR signaling](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090902). *Antioxidants (Basel)*. 2020;9(9):902. doi:10.3390/antiox9090902
12. Miranda AM, Steluti J, Fisberg RM, et al. [Association between coffee consumption and its polyphenols with cardiovascular risk factors: a population-based study](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030276). *Nutrients*. 2017;9(3):276. doi:10.3390/nu9030276
13. Wadhawan M, Anand AC. [Coffee and liver disease](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jceh.2016.02.003). *J Clin Exp Hepatol*. 2016;6(1):40-46. doi:10.1016/j.jceh.2016.02.003
14. Ishibashi K, Miura Y, Wagatsuma K, et al. [Adenosine A2A receptor occupancy by caffeine after coffee intake in Parkinson's disease](https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.28897). *Mov Disord*. 2022;37(4):853-857. doi:10.1002/mds.28897
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| Readable Markdown | It's generally safe to drink **four 8-ounce (oz) cups of coffee per day**,or about 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. If you drink more than that, you may feel anxious, jittery, or nauseous. Consuming too much coffee can also negatively affect heart health and pregnancy.12
That said, there are health benefits to drinking coffee. Caffeine has antioxidants and [anti-inflammatory compounds](https://www.health.com/coffee-inflammation-11679874) that may protect against Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and liver disease.34
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, so the amount of caffeine needed to cause unwanted side effects varies.
Moderate side effects include:2
- Facial flushing
- [Anxiety](https://www.health.com/condition/stress/what-causes-stress) or restlessness
- Having to urinate more frequently
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach upset
More severe side effects, usually from very high caffeine intake, include:2
- Feeling disoriented
- Hallucinations
While moderate [coffee](https://www.health.com/food/health-benefits-of-coffee) consumption is safe, drinking more than four 8-oz cups daily can increase the risk of certain health complications.1
### Caffeine Sensitivity
If you drink too much coffee, you might feel jittery, irritable, or [nauseous](https://www.health.com/nausea-after-eating-7564447).
Some people may be more sensitive to these effects than others due to variants in **the** **CYP1A2 gene**, which controls how fast you metabolize caffeine.6
### Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.7 A study published in 2019 found that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may increase the risk of heart disease by up to 22%. Large quantities of coffee can cause [high blood pressure](https://www.health.com/high-blood-pressure-overview-7505223), which is a risk factor for heart disease.6
### Pregnancy Complications
Caffeine raises heart rate and metabolism, which can affect the fetus during pregnancy. This stimulant can cross the placenta and may have negative effects on fetal development.8
Research has shown that drinking too much coffee during pregnancy can increase the risk of:9
- Low birth weight
- [Miscarriage](https://www.health.com/money/miscarriage-symptoms-side-effects-costs)
- Stillbirth
**American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation:** Pregnant people should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily(the equivalent of one 12-oz cup of coffee).10
Coffee contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce your risk of several conditions, including:43
- [**Alzheimer's disease**](https://www.health.com/condition/alzheimers-overview)**:** This is the most common type of dementia. Research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may protect the brain against this condition.11
- **Cancer:** Coffee has been shown to [reduce the risk of some cancers](https://www.health.com/how-to-lower-your-risk-of-cancer-8727955), such as prostate and endometrial cancer. It may also protect against melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer.
- **Heart disease:** Coffee is a source of phenols. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against heart disease. Some evidence also suggests that 1-3 daily cups of coffee may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.12
- [**Liver disease**](https://www.health.com/liver-disease-7561796)**:** Coffee may protect against cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. The compounds found in coffee may decrease inflammation and support liver function.13
- **Parkinson's disease:** Some evidence suggests that caffeine may block adenosine A2A receptors, which are expressed in people with Parkinson's disease.14
It's generally safe to drink up to four 8-oz cups of coffee per day. Consider reducing your caffeine intake if you have:8
- Acid reflux or stomach ulcers
- [Chronic headaches](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines/the-14-different-kinds-of-headaches-you-can-get-and-how-to-treat-each-one)
- Fast or irregular heart rhythm
- High blood pressure
- Painful, lumpy breasts
- [Sleep problems](https://www.health.com/depressive-disorder-overview-7100645)
- Stress or anxiety
**Consider reducing your caffeine intake slowly to avoid** [**caffeine withdrawal**](https://www.health.com/caffeine-withdrawal-7095696). Withdrawal symptoms can include:8
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nausea | |||||||||
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