Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

In my science experiment, I gave worms different amounts of 5 hour energy and the more they got, the more they moved. When the worms got in contact with it, they started stretching and then shrinking back. It kind of looked like they were in a lot of pain. If there was more, would the worms die?

Yes, caffeine can be toxic to small animals (like worms) if the dosage is high enough. Very high doses of caffeine can even harm a healthy human.

How does caffeine harm people and animals? What part of the body does it affect?

Here are some great pictures that should answer your questions.

These are the health effects of caffeine:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ffeine.png

And here are the symptoms of a caffeine overdose:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... erdose.png

If you have any more questions or anything is unclear, feel free to ask.

Thanks! Are their any permanent affects of having a small amount of caffeine or too much caffeine? If the animal is smaller, then does it need less caffeine to overdose?

When caffeine is taken consistently over a period of time, it can lead to tolerance, dependence/addiction and withdrawal when caffeine is not present. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability. Smaller animals need much smaller amounts of caffeine to overdose.

Thanks! What are the helpful effects of having caffeine regularly? How can you get rid of the dependance on caffeine?

Hi

You can get rid of caffeine dependence by stopping caffeine intake, but you will have to deal with withdrawal. Regular caffeine intake may possibly lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes and parkinson's disease.

This link has more info if you need:
http://www.medicinenet.com/caffeine/article.htm

and, Hi, vortexcat.

About how many cups of coffee worth of caffeine daily is a healthy amount? Also, is it ok with you if i put this in my interview section of my science project?

Hi zipshark,

I have heard that 1-2 cups of coffee per day is considered healthy, but that number is constantly changing and I don't remember the source of that information. Have you tried doing an internet search to see what different sites say about this topic?

Heather

Thank you!

Hey zipshark,

It's fine with me If you put the interview in your project. If you have any more questions you need answered, just ask.

Thanks for the help! I am turning in my project tomorrow.