Does Caffeine Inhibit Glutamate? Exploring the Complex Neurochemical Interaction
•
5 min read
Studies have revealed that caffeine's interaction with the brain is more complex than simply promoting alertness, with its effects on the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate being particularly nuanced. Far from directly inhibiting glutamate at normal intake levels, caffeine primarily works by blocking adenosine, which ultimately leads to an *increase* in glutamate release.