Mateina – what is it? Properties, uses and effects

Mateine is the colloquial name for the caffeine found naturally in Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis), from which yerba mate is made. It is not a separate chemical compound or a variant of caffeine, although its name might suggest otherwise. Caffeine itself was isolated in the early 19th century, whilst Ilex paraguariensis was first scientifically described in 1822. Today, the term ‘mateine’ is used colloquially, whereas the name ‘caffeine’ is used in scientific publications, food products and supplements.

1. Characteristics of mateine
2. Mateine dosage
3. The effects of mateine
4. FAQ

Characteristics of mateine

The mateine molecule has the same structure as the caffeine found in coffee, tea and guarana. The body does not distinguish between different forms of caffeine based on its source; once absorbed, it is the same compound and undergoes the same metabolic processes. Caffeine belongs to the methylxanthine group, a very distinctive group of compounds that occur naturally in certain plants. In yerba mate, it is accompanied by, amongst other things, other methylxanthines, phenolic compounds and saponins.

The term "mateine" may suggest that caffeine from yerba mate acts differently to caffeine from coffee; however, this is not due to any difference in the structure of the molecule itself. The differences felt after consuming the various drinks may be primarily related to the amount of caffeine consumed, the size of the serving, the speed at which the drink is consumed, and the presence of other bioactive compounds.

Mateine dosage

Yerba mate is prepared using the dried and crushed leaves of the Paraguayan holly, and the drink can be made by the traditional method of repeatedly pouring hot water over the dried leaves, by a single infusion, or as a cold brew. Yerba mate is also available in ready-to-drink beverages and as an extract used in various food products and supplements.

There is no single, fixed mateine content for every serving of yerba mate. Caffeine may account for approximately 0.3–1.8 per cent of the dry weight of the raw material, depending, amongst other factors, on the variety, region of cultivation and processing methods. For a prepared drink, the approximate caffeine content is indicated as around 78–196 mg per 500 ml. Other studies have also yielded significantly different values, confirming that the caffeine content cannot be accurately determined solely on the basis of the volume of the infusion consumed.

No separate recommended daily intake has been established for mateine, as, from a safety perspective, it is considered to be caffeine. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) takes into account the total intake of caffeine from all sources. In healthy adults, single doses of up to 200 mg of caffeine do not raise safety concerns, nor does consumption of up to 400 mg over the course of a day. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the EFSA recommends a limit of 200 mg of caffeine per day from all sources.

Approximate caffeine content in selected drinks

According to EFSA (EFSA does not provide a corresponding value for yerba mate).

The effects of mateine

The effects of mateine are identical to those of caffeine. One of the key mechanisms of its action is the blocking of adenosine receptors. Among other things, adenosine plays a role in regulating nervous system activity and the build-up of the need for sleep during prolonged periods of wakefulness. Caffeine can bind to adenosine receptors without activating them, thereby temporarily reducing some of the signals dependent on this compound. Its energising effect does not, therefore, involve supplying the body with energy in the caloric sense.

The EFSA describes caffeine as a substance that stimulates the central nervous system and notes that, in moderate amounts, it increases alertness and reduces drowsiness. The EFSA has positively assessed the scientific evidence linking caffeine intake to increased alertness in the case of products providing at least 75 mg of caffeine per serving.

The response to the same amount of caffeine may vary from person to person. Factors such as body weight, regular caffeine consumption, the time of day it is consumed, metabolic rate and the simultaneous intake of caffeine from other products all play a role. With regular consumption, partial tolerance to some of the perceived effects of caffeine may develop; therefore, the intensity of subjective stimulation does not correspond directly to the amount of caffeine consumed.

"Mateine is not a separate substance – it is simply the caffeine naturally present in yerba mate. Its stimulating effect stems from the same mechanism as in coffee or tea, and differences in how it is experienced depend mainly on the dose, the method of preparation and individual sensitivity to caffeine." Łukasz Domeracki – Dietitian

FAQ

Are mateine and caffeine the same thing?

Yes. Mateine is the colloquial name for the caffeine found in yerba mate. Chemically, it is exactly the same compound as that found in coffee, tea or guarana.

Does mateine have a different effect to the caffeine in coffee?

No, not because of its chemical structure, as the molecule is identical. Any differences may be due to the amount of caffeine, the rate at which yerba mate is consumed, and the presence of other components in the infusion.

How much mateine does yerba mate contain?

There is no single fixed value. A 500 ml serving of the prepared infusion may contain approximately 78–196 mg of caffeine, but the actual amount depends on the dried leaves, the proportions, the water temperature and the number of infusions.

Is yerba mate more stimulating than coffee?

Not always. Coffee usually provides a high dose of caffeine in a short space of time, whereas yerba mate is often sipped gradually over a longer period. Therefore, the stimulating effect may be perceived differently despite a similar total amount of caffeine.

Does mateine improve concentration?

Caffeine can support alertness and attention, particularly when tired. The EFSA recognises a link between caffeine intake and increased alertness at an appropriate dose.

How much mateine can be consumed per day?

As mateine is caffeine, the total amount of caffeine from all sources should be taken into account. For healthy adults, the EFSA considers a daily intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine to be a level that does not usually raise safety concerns.

Can you drink yerba mate every day?

Yes, provided the total amount of caffeine remains within the safe range and the drink is well tolerated. It is worth keeping an eye on your sleep, blood pressure and any symptoms of overstimulation.

Can mateina affect sleep?

Yes. Caffeine consumed a few hours before bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Can pregnant women drink yerba mate?

Yes, but total caffeine intake should be monitored. The EFSA states that during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding, a daily intake of up to 200 mg of caffeine from all sources does not raise any safety concerns.

Is mateine addictive?

Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to the development of tolerance and physical dependence. Sudden withdrawal may cause headaches, drowsiness, irritability or a loss of concentration.

Is yerba mate better than coffee?

There is no single answer. Both drinks are sources of caffeine, but they differ in their profile of other bioactive compounds, their flavour and how they are consumed. The choice depends mainly on personal preference and tolerance.

Sources:

• Heck, C. I., & de Mejia, E. G. (2007). Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): a comprehensive review on chemistry, health implications, and technological considerations. Journal of food science, 72(9), R138–R151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x
• Ribeiro, J. A., & Sebastião, A. M. (2010). Caffeine and adenosine. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 20 Suppl 1, S3–S15. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-1379
• Wikoff, D., Welsh, B. T., Henderson, R., Brorby, G. P., Britt, J., Myers, E., Goldberger, J., Lieberman, H. R., O'Brien, C., Peck, J., Tenenbein, M., Weaver, C., Harvey, S., Urban, J., & Doepker, C. (2017). Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 109(Pt 1), 585–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.002