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A coffee machine pours coffee into a paper cup.
Emerging scientific evidence has revealed that the effects of caffeine vary widely among South Africans.
Figures show that an estimated 10 per cent of people who consume caffeine products are classified as “slow metabolizers”, placing them at higher risk of anxiety and heart palpitations from even small amounts of caffeine.
Health experts have also warned that ageing and hormonal changes can intensify these side effects.
South African Rooibos Council spokesperson Adele du Toit says there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour toward caffeine-free alternatives.
“People are becoming more sensitive to caffeine. About 10% of people are slow metabolizers, and that influences their sleeping patterns. And we’re seeing consumer behaviour moving more towards having herbal and other infusions later in the day to help people sleep better. 40% of people are fast metabolizers, meaning they can break down caffeine quite quickly”
“About 50% of people are intermediate, and then 10% are slow metabolizers, which means caffeine can stay in their system much longer and even small amounts can lead to stronger and more prolonged effects”, she adds.
Caffeine remains the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance, but experts say its effects differ significantly depending on how quickly individuals metabolise it.
