It seems like caffeine is being added to many products today, from candy bars to energy drinks. Should I be concerned?

It is so easy to consume large amounts of caffeine and not be aware of it. Drink coffee, add an energy drink, chew a piece of energy gum and you may forget about eating real nutritious food. For someone who is caffeine sensitive or not use to much caffeine, the effects may not be pleasant. The heart rate and blood pressure go up, feelings of panic and anxiety can set in at any age, and it’s hard to sleep. Children or young adults may not be able to gauge their reactions to these enhanced products….particularly beers with added caffeine. The hype of the caffeine may make them forget about the potential effects of alcohol. It could be too easy to drink too much leading to less than desirable behaviors.