Powdered Caffeine Associated With Two Deaths. Pure powdered caffeine has raised a number of recent safety concerns in light of two deaths associated with the product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers against using powdered caffeine, but one United States Senator says more action needs to be taken. According to CBS Philly, Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey says that the agency should consider banning the product.
Last year, powdered caffeine was linked to the death of an 18-year-old of LaGrange, Ohio and a 24-year-old of Alpharetta, Georgia.
FDA Warned About Dangers of Powdered Caffeine
The FDA has warned about the dangers of powdered caffeine on its website, stating that products sold in bulk online are especially risky. Powdered caffeine is a very powerful stimulant, the agency warned. Even in very small amounts, the substance could lead to a life-threatening overdose. One single teaspoon of pure “powdered caffeine” is roughly equal to 25 cups of coffee. Signs of caffeine toxicity include:
- Rapid or erratic heartbeat
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
The FDA should be more aggressive towards regulating “powdered caffeine”, Sen. Casey says. “I believe they need to do more work,” he said, according to CBS Philly. “The FDA is a regulatory agency and sometimes may not have the same sense of urgency that we have or certainly that constituents or taxpayers have,”
“Teenagers, young adults are getting this powder because they want to lose weight. They also try to use it as a workout supplement. They’re trying to study longer hours.” said Dr. Robert Glatter, according to CBS Philly. “Everyone should be on the same page about how dangerous this substance is and that it should not be used in any form in any way.”
Need Legal Help Regarding Powdered Caffeine?
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