Overview

Green coffee is made from raw, unroasted coffee beans. Drinks that are made from green coffee beans usually contain less caffeine than traditional coffee. On the other hand, dietary supplements containing green coffee extract may contain higher amounts of caffeine. Green coffee extracts are used for various reasons, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects are caused by their caffeine content and include nervousness, trouble sleeping, an increased need to pee, or an upset stomach. Before taking green coffee, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is green coffee used for?

Green coffee is consumed as a beverage. Green coffee extracts (GCE) are sometimes used for weight loss and to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: Green coffee is a beverage, which is regulated by the FDA. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here. The FDA has not reviewed green coffee extracts for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does green coffee work (mechanism of action)?

Green coffee refers to products made from raw, unroasted coffee beans. This differs from traditional coffee products, which are made from brown, roasted coffee beans. Drinks made from green coffee usually have a greenish color and tend to taste more like tea than coffee. They also contain less caffeine than traditional coffee because the raw beans do not release as much caffeine when they are brewed.

Raw green coffee beans contain large amounts of a chemical called chlorogenic acid. When they are roasted, some of the chlorogenic acid in the beans is destroyed. So, green coffee contains higher levels of chlorogenic acid than roasted coffee.

Green coffee extracts, which are available as dietary supplements, are made directly from unroasted crushed green coffee beans. So, they contain large amounts of chlorogenic acid as well as caffeine.

The chlorogenic acid in green coffee can act as an antioxidant in the body and may also help ease swelling (inflammation). Some research shows that green coffee extract may help some people lose weight, although it is not clear if it results in any meaningful weight loss. It is also not clear if green coffee extract can help lower blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

Herbal products like green coffee naturally contain many different chemicals, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeine. The amounts of each chemical in a specific green coffee product may vary. Different amounts of chlorogenic acid or caffeine may change the effects of green coffee on the body. Some green coffee dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of chlorogenic acid.

How should I store green coffee?

You should store green coffee according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of green coffee?

The most common side effects of green coffee are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the specific product you are using and the amount of caffeine it contains. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Increased need to pee
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Nausea or an upset stomach
• Trouble sleeping (especially if you take green coffee extract later in the day or close to bedtime)

There may be other side effects of green coffee that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of green coffee?

While less common, the most serious side effects of green coffee are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Green coffee may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking green coffee and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Heart Effects. Green coffee contains caffeine, which may increase your risk of certain heart effects, such as raising your heart rate and blood pressure or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). These effects are more likely with higher doses of caffeine or with an increase in the amount of caffeine you have in a day. Green coffee drinks contain less caffeine than traditional coffee, but green coffee extracts may contain high amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is also found in many other common foods and drinks. Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also, call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Precautions

Who should not use green coffee?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take green coffee.

• Caffeine
• Chlorogenic acid (CGA)
• Coffee
• Green coffee
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific green coffee products they stock.

What should I know about green coffee before using it?

Green coffee is a beverage. Extracts made from green coffee, called green coffee extracts (GCE), may be sold as dietary supplements. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep green coffee out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as green coffee, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific green coffee product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Green coffee naturally contains caffeine. Some dietary supplements that contain green coffee extracts may also contain added caffeine. However, dietary supplements and non-soda beverages are not required to state their caffeine content. Use these products with caution, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or you regularly drink caffeinated beverages. Too much caffeine can increase your risk of side effects.

The FDA has not tested green coffee products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using green coffee?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if green coffee is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Before taking green coffee extract, tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Anxiety
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Heart rhythm problems
• Heart disease
• Kidney or liver problems
• Stomach ulcers
• Tremors

Other Medicines and Supplements.Green coffee extracts may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking green coffee extracts, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how green coffee could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, tell your health care provider how much caffeine you usually get from foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.

Breastfeeding. The caffeine in green coffee passes into breast milk. Large amounts of caffeine can cause fussiness or sleeping problems in breastfed babies. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Also, tell your health care provider how much caffeine you usually get from foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.

Interactions

Does green coffee interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between green coffee and foods or drinks. But green coffee products contain caffeine, and caffeine is found in many common foods and drinks (such as other types of coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some protein bars). Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can increase your risk of side effects.

Green coffee products contain caffeine, which has the opposite effect of alcohol. When caffeine and alcohol are used together, you may feel like neither is affecting you the way it usually does. This may lead you to drink more alcohol or have more caffeine than you otherwise would, increasing your risk of side effects.

Does green coffee interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking green coffee extract.

• Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
• A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
• Any product that contains caffeine, which is often found in medicines for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, easing headaches, and hangover relief

Green coffee contains caffeine. Many medicines may alter the blood levels of caffeine and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between green coffee extracts and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with green coffee is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking green coffee with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much green coffee?

If you or someone else has used too much green coffee, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Green coffee products naturally contain caffeine, which may not be listed on the label. Green coffee extracts may contain large amounts of caffeine. Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can increase your risk of side effects.

If you are using a green coffee extract, read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take it safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.