The answer is your body's membranes absorb caffeine very quickly, so you should feel the effects of caffeine within 15 to 45 minutes of consuming caffeine, but depending on the physiology of a person, it has been known for caffeine to affect some people within just 5 minutes.

How does the body process caffeine?

After the body’s membranes have done the work of absorbing the caffeine, a group of enzymes in the liver metabolize and degrade the caffeine.

Does the time it takes for caffeine to work vary between individuals?

Your genetic makeup determines how much of the enzyme you produce, so this means that while some individuals metabolize (or break down) caffeine extremely slowly, others do so quickly that they hardly notice its stimulating effects. It really depends on the individual!

What's the average time for caffeine to start working?

There's a general understanding that caffeine takes about 45 minutes to an hour to be fully absorbed into the system, although concentrations can increase significantly within just 20 minutes of consumption.

Does the type of caffeinated beverage affect how quickly it works?

This variation in absorption rate can be influenced by factors like the type of caffeinated beverage or product consumed.

For instance, caffeine capsules may elicit a noticeable effect within 20 to 40 minutes, with research indicating that caffeine peaks in plasma approximately 42 minutes after coffee intake, 39 minutes after cola intake, and 67 minutes after caffeine capsule ingestion​​​​.

What is the time frame for caffeine to reach peak levels in the bloodstream?

The Harvard School of Public Health states that caffeine typically takes about 45 minutes to become fully absorbed in the body, reaching its peak effectiveness thereafter​​.

How do you know if caffeine is working and affecting your body?

You can only truly understand how you process caffeine by actually drinking it and watching what happens. The "coffee jitters," which can include heart palpitations, nausea, diarrhoea, restlessness, anxiety, and irritability, could be experienced by people who are hypersensitive to caffeine, even in small doses (like half a cup of coffee).

Whereas, if you are hyposensitive, this means that caffeine does not have a strong effect on you a normal dose won't have much of a stimulating effect, even if you've never had coffee before.

 IMPORTANT: This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Nothing in the content or products should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs.

November 14, 2022 — Guy Wilmot

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