Brushing off worries about the caffeine content in energy drinks, the European Food Safety Authority issued a draft risk assessment stating that single doses of up to 200 milligrams and daily consumption totaling 400 milligrams of caffeine are safe for adults. The agency, which functions for the European Union much as the Food and Drug Administration does for the US government, also said that high single doses were safe when consumed less than two hours before exercise. That was a specific concern because of so-called energy drinks, which typically contain about 85 milligrams per can. A cup of regular coffee contains about 95 milligrams, though amounts can vary widely, while tea ranges from about 15-45 milligrams per cup and cola drinks contain about 30 milligrams in 12 ounces.
The EFSA did caution that single doses of 100 milligrams or more could increase the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and shorten sleeping time. For pregnant women, daily caffeine consumption of up to 200 milligrams was not found to have any negative effects on the fetus.