'Moderate' is Impossible to Define
Moderate is also impossible to define, as people vary widely in their ability to detoxify the compound. What is moderate for a man might produce a raft of symptoms in his wife. It used to be thought that men’s larger size (and thus greater liver detox capability) accounted for the gender difference. Then it was found that birth control pills and other common medications slow down caffeine detox. And just a few years ago, it was found that over 50% of adults (men and women) are “slow metabolizers” of caffeine, and that this genetic predisposition places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In fact, that study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, calculated that the risk of a heart attack in this group increased more than 30% with as little as 12 oz of coffee. Slow metabolizers consuming 24 oz or more had a whopping 64% increased risk compared to people who drank one cup or less per day.*
Keep in mind that the most frequently consumed “cup” of coffee is 16 oz. Thus, to conclude that moderate caffeine consumption is safe for everyone, you would have to define “moderate” as one half of a Starbucks “Grande.” Who drinks that?
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I think that moderation is an individual matter. People need to gauge how caffeine and other substances affects their health . While it's impossible to define for men and women as a whole we could issue guidelines for people so they can know when they're drinking too much (although most are smart enough to tell). As I understand it addiction can either be caused by lots of consumption over short periods of time but I think for caffeine it is mostly caused (from personal experience) by prolonged exposure. After a 2 year drop from cola drinks, (that I'd been drinking since I was four) and coffee (which kept me awake for my training sessions at work) I experienced headaches, irritability and other symptoms. After some experimentation I found a suitable amount per week that doesn't cause these symptoms when I don't have the money as a college student for my java. Does this all mean caffeine is terrible for you? About as bad as only eating celery everyday for life, or only eating bacon. Fine when you take care of yourself. It's actually a lifesaver when you drink a soda with acetaminophen pain relievers. (I think I spelled it wrong) but there you have it. My opinion as a caffeine advocate.