The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has determined that there is strong evidence that moderate coffee consumption is not associated with increased long-term health risks. Moderate consumption includes 3 to 5 cups per day or up to 400 mg/d caffeine.
The committee concluded that consumption of coffee has positive health benefits and therefore can be incorporated into “a healthy dietary pattern.” The report warns, however, that consumers should minimize the amount of calories added to coffee by reducing added sugars and dairy.
The report also acknowledged the increase marketing and availability of high-caffeine beverages such as energy drinks. “Limited data suggest adverse health outcomes, such as caffeine toxicity and cardiovascular events,” the report said. It advised children and adolescents to limit or eliminate the consumption of high caffeine drinks and products.
