Coffee intolerance rates have more doubled in the past four years, according to new research. Five per cent of the population now suffer health problems after drinking coffee compared with 2% in 2003, said food intolerance testing company Yorktest. Symptoms linked to coffee intolerance include itchy skin, depression, migraines, IBS, fatigue and joint pain. "It seems coffee protein may be taking its toll on people's health," said Yorktest spokesman Les Rowley. But the British Coffee Association was unconvinced. "Scientific evidence has found that moderate consumption of four to five cups per day is perfectly safe for the majority of the population and may confer some health benefits," said a spokeswoman. 

This month teenager Jasmine Willis was taken to hospital after overdosing on espresso. She developed a fever and began hyperventilating after drinking seven double espressos while working at her family's sandwich shop in Stanley.

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