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Coffee lovers who switch to decaf for health reasons often assume that the brew is what its name suggests-- decaffeinated. But new research finds that almost all brewed cups of decaf contain caffeine.

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University of Florida researchers tested twenty-two decaffeinated coffee beverages from nine national chains or local coffee houses. The results showed that every serving but one-- a cup of granulated Folger's crystals-- contained caffeine. The lowest caffeine level seen was a sip-sized three milligrams, while several servings had between twelve and fifteen milligrams. Although this amount is small compared with the one hundred milligrams or more in a regular cup of joe, experts say coffee addicts who must avoid caffeine because they have conditions like an anxiety disorder or kidney disease should bear in mind small amounts of caffeine, over several cups, can add up.

Dr. Bruce Goldberger /UF forensics expert

"Decaf coffees contain caffeine, and if you're sensitive to caffeine, then switching from regular coffee to decaf may not solve the problem. There still may be adverse effects, following the consumption of the decaf coffee."

Even moderate levels of caffeine can cause an increase in agitation, anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure. And experts warn that low doses are still addictive. But for patients told by their doctor to lower their caffeine intake for health reasons, decaf is a better choice. And for those who must cut the caffeine altogether, switching to decaf first might be a way to lessen the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting coffee "cold turkey."

Dr. Bruce Goldberger /UF forensics expert

"So when one drinks the beverage, it's rewarding to the brain, even at low concentrations. So when you withhold the caffeine from the person, and they're previously addicted, they do go through withdrawal."

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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison