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In some people, large amounts of caffeine may lead to a number of adverse effects such as anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and the worsening of ulcer symptoms, or may not be right if you have certain conditions or are taking medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should consult their healthcare providers before consuming oolong tea regularly or in large amounts.
Tea naturally contains fluoride. While fluoride is believed to improve dental health, in large amounts it may have harmful effects on the body. For a study published in the Journal of Food Science, researchers analyzed 558 tea products and determined that oolong tea had mean fluoride levels of 159.78 mg/kg, compared to 63.04, 99.74, 52.19, 101.67, and 110.54 mg/kg for green tea, black tea, white tea, pu'er tea, and reprocessed tea, respectively. *
When taken by mouth: Drinking oolong tea is LIKELY SAFE for most healthy adults when consumed in moderate amounts (about 4 cups per day).
Drinking oolong tea is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when consumed for a long time or in high doses (more than 4 cups per day). Drinking large amounts of oolong tea might cause side effects due to the caffeine content. These side effects can range from mild to serious and include headache, nervousness, sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, irregular heartbeat, tremor, heartburn, dizziness, ringing in the ears, seizures (convulsions), and confusion. Also, people who drink a lot of oolong tea every day may need to drink more tea to get the same effects. They may also become "dependent" on tea to the point that they develop withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking it.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, drinking oolong tea is
POSSIBLY SAFE in amounts of 3 cups per day or less. This amount of tea provides about 300 mg of caffeine. Drinking more than this amount during pregnancy is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE and has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Also, caffeine can pass into breast milk, so nursing mothers should closely monitor caffeine intake to make sure it is on the low side (1-2 cups per day). High intake of caffeine by nursing mothers can cause sleep problems, irritability, and increased bowel activity in breast-fed infants.
Children: Oolong tea is
POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children in amounts commonly found in foods.
Anxiety disorders: The caffeine in oolong tea might make anxiety disorders worse.
Bleeding disorders: There is some reason to believe that the caffeine in oolong tea might slow blood clotting, though this hasn't been shown in people. Use caffeine cautiously if you have a bleeding disorder.
Heart problems: Caffeine in oolong tea can cause irregular heartbeat in certain people. If you have a heart condition, use caffeine with caution.
Diabetes: The caffeine in oolong day might affect blood sugar levels. Use oolong tea with caution if you have diabetes.
Diarrhea: Oolong tea contains caffeine. The caffeine in oolong tea, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.
Glaucoma: The caffeine in oolong tea increases the pressure inside the eye. The increase occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes.
High blood pressure: The caffeine in oolong tea might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, this doesn't seem to happen in people who regularly drink oolong tea or other caffeinated products.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Oolong tea contains caffeine. The caffeine in oolong tea, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea and might worsen symptoms of IBS.
Obesity: The caffeine in oolong tea might affect the sensitivity of insulin in the body in patients who are obese.
Brittle bones (osteoporosis): Drinking oolong tea can increase the amount of calcium that is flushed out in the urine. This might weaken bones. If you have osteoporosis, don't drink more than 3 cups of oolong tea per day. If you are generally healthy and getting enough calcium from your food and supplements, taking up to 400 mg of caffeine daily (about 4 cups of oolong tea) doesn't seem to increase the risk of getting osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women who have an inherited condition that keeps them from processing vitamin D normally should be especially cautious when using caffeine.
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