Caffeine and Dehydration: What’s the Evidence Show?

NEWSLETTER

Caffeine and Dehydration: What’s the Evidence Show?

You may have heard that caffeine is a diuretic, and while this is true it isn’t that straightforward. Simply put a  diuretic promotes diuresis, which is an increase in the production of urine. The generally held idea is that a diuretic always causes you to pee more, and thus coffee and black tea should cause you to pee more.

However, we have some pretty robust evidence showing that caffeine amounts of ≤225 mg (1-2 cups of coffee or 5-6 cups of black tea) don’t affect the amount of urine you produce, and do not lead to dehydration. We can’t say for sure what happens above this amount, but it is probably a good idea to switch to a caffeine free option such as
decaf coffee or caffeine free tea.

Submitted by Erik Vandenboer— Dietetic Intern, Mount Saint Vincent University

Hilltop Highlights and Events

June 10, 2026
April 22, 2026
May Events
By Lisa Wright April 22, 2026
Food Services is planning a special Mother’s Day on May 10th
April 22, 2026
Update on Mealtimes at HVH Resident Council has voted in unanimous favor during the March meeting to move the larger meal from lunch time to supper time. This was implemented and residents are enjoying the change based on the majority of feedback collected so far. Special holiday meals will be scheduled for lunches as specified. ~ Food Services Team
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Our annual Painted Lady Butterfly project will commence again this spring. We anticipate receiving our Painted Lady caterpillars during the last week of May. We will watch their transition from caterpillars to butterflies, and then release them into the garden park in early June. Stay tuned for details!
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