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400 mg of caffeine, equivalent to around four cups of filter coffee a day, showed no adverse effects, and this was true of around three cups for pregnant women
Drinking up to four cups of coffee a day carries no risk to health, according to new research.
Scientists looked at more than 740 studies into the effects of caffeine on humans, all published between 2001 and 2015.
They concluded that 400 mg of caffeine, equivalent to around four cups of filter coffee a day showed no adverse effects.
This was also true for 300mg for pregnant women, around three cups, and 2.5mg per kilo for children and adolescents .
A typical energy drink such as Red Bull, contains around 80mg of caffeine in a 250ml can.
The study, published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, looked at five bad effects of caffeine on health: acute toxicity, bone/calcium, cardiovascular, behaviour, and reproductive and development.
They concluded that as long as the 400mg limit was not breached there was no need to worry about consumption.
As long as you have less than 400mg a day you'll be fine
This meant that more resources could go into those who were taking in too much of the stimulant.
The researchers undertook the review after realising that despite all the literature, nobody had actually carried out a review of the papers published.
Dr Eric Hentges, Executive Director, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) North America, who carried out the study, said: "This Systematic Review provides evidence that furthers our understanding of caffeine on human health.
Children and adolescents can drink up to 300mg
"Also, this review provides the research community with data and valuable evidence to support the development and execution of future research on caffeine safety that will impact public health.
"We concluded that the previously-defined levels of caffeine intake in a healthy caffeine consumer (400mg) were not associated with overt, adverse effects.
"The complete transparency with which the data has been shared will encourage other researchers to build upon this work."
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