Caffeine inhibits erythrocyte membrane derangement by antioxidant activity and by blocking caspase 3 activation

► Caffeine influences haemoglobin, band 3 protein, caspase 3 and glucose metabolism. ► Caffeine promotes R-state of haemoglobin, enhancing the pentose phosphate pathway. ► Caffeine increases the anion exchange and met-haemoglobin production. ► Caffeine damaging effect is balanced by scavenger action towards the hydroxyl radical. ► Caffeine prevents caspase 3 activation, promoting cellular reducing power.