FDA Investigating Caffeine Powder After Overdose Deaths
The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of unregulated caffeine powder that has caused fatal overdoses in teens. Due to the fact that caffeine powder is sold as a dietary supplement, it is not subjected to the federal regulations that regulate other caffeinated foods. The difference between other caffeinated items and the caffeine powder is that the smallest amount can be fatal. According to the FDA, the powder is not easily measured and even 1/16thof a teaspoon can contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, the caffeine equal to two large cups of coffee. A heaping teaspoon could contain 3,200 milligrams of caffeine and can cause rapid heart rates and death. Physicians state that one teaspoon of caffeine powder can be the equivalent of drinking 20 cokes or 30 cups of coffee. Individuals who are used to taking scoops of supplement protein powder may run the risk of overdosing on the potent caffeine powder, in which just a teaspoon can produce fatal reactions.
While caffeine powders are marketed for energy boosts and weight loss supplements, the FDA warns the risk of individuals unknowingly consuming too much which can cause heart palpitations, seizures, and death. According to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, emergency room visits doubled from 2007 to 2011 for energy drink related health emergencies.
If you have suffered a serious reaction or illness due to a defective drug or were not properly warned of the drug’s serious side effects,Clekis may be able to help you pursue compensation for medical bills, long term care and treatment, and pain and suffering. For a free case evaluation, call 800-797-LAW1 (5291).