Green Coffee Pills Side Effects: Do GCE Pills Contain Too Much Caffeine?

Green coffee bean extract has been the subject of numerous studies, as researchers examine its side effects and potential benefits in helping health concerns such as weight loss, heart disease and diabetes.

Simply, a green coffee bean is an unroasted coffee bean; the supplements contain naturally-occurring caffeine and an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid. The roasting process lowers the amount of chlorogenic acid, according to WebMD.

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Fit Day reports the Green coffee became popular for weight loss after it was mentioned in 2012 by Dr. Oz, who described it as, "The green coffee bean that burns fat fast," and claimed that no exercise or diet is needed.

While that scientific study has since been retracted, the debate over the power of GCE continues. One question often asked is whether GCE pills contain too much caffeine. In an article published in Shape.com, dietician Cynthia Sass, who hold master's degrees in nutrition science and public health, wrote that an issue with GCE supplements is the lack of standardization.

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"In other words, manufacturers don't have to follow a specific formula, so one green coffee extract product could be made completely differently than another, and one brand could contain significantly more caffeine than the bottle next to it," Sass wrote. "That concerns me because concentrated doses of caffeine can cause headaches, GI upset, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeat, or even more serious problems in some people. In addition, using caffeine-based weight-loss supplements and then stopping them has also been associated with withdrawal symptoms including headache, fatigue, depression, trouble concentrating, nervousness, muscle tension, and a flushed face."

Beyond the lack of regulation, while GCE is likely safe, "certain people should avoid the supplement," reports The Doctor Will See You Now website. In addition to headaches, high doses of caffeine can lead to irregular heart rhythm and a loss of calcium and magnesium from the body.

Caffeine also may not play well with a long list of prescription drugs. "In addition, people with medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, bleeding disorders, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and osteoporosis may be adversely affected by GCE," according to The Doctor Will See You Now.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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