Caffeine Can Be A Problem And Protector

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For millions of busy people caffeine is a popular stimulant that provides a kick start to their day.  For others, including pregnant women, people with heart trouble and those concerned with drug interactions, caffeine can be a problem.

Now scientists have developed a consumer ‘dip stick' test for caffeine, which will be a boon to people for whom caffeine is a problem.  It uses a small paper strip that changes colour when it encounters caffeine.

A recent surprising result coming out of McMaster University in Canada is that caffeine is invaluable for helping premature babies to start breathing on their own.

A study of more than 2000 babies showed that those who received caffeine within ten days of birth started breathing without a ventilator on an average of one week earlier, and were significantly less likely to develop chronic lung disease.

While the long term impact of giving caffeine to tiny babies weighing less than two and a half pounds is not yet known, the short term benefits are dramatic.  The number of premature babies developing chronic lung disease dropped from 47% for babies given a placebo to 36% for babies given caffeine.

So next time you're considering another cup of coffee, be grateful science can now not only identify caffeine but also maximize its benefits.