The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last Tuesday that it had issued notices to five different vendors of powdered caffeine, stating that there is a difference in the safety levels between the powdered and those found in regular coffee preparations.
The warning notice was issued to Purebulk, Smartpowders, Hard Eight Nutrition, Bridge City Bulk, and National Food Supplements, according to CNN.
The warning was given as a response to the death report of two healthy young individuals in 2014, who reportedly died after consuming powdered caffeine.
The FDA stated that the powdered form of caffeine is highly potent; one teaspoon of it is equivalent to around 28 cups of the regular coffee preparation.
The FDA also warned people to avoid consuming powdered coffee as it can produce symptoms of caffeine overdose, which include seizures, as well as dangerously rapid and fluctuating heartbeat; it could also lead to death.
Furthermore, the FDA stated that the symptoms tend to be more severe when a person consumes the powdered stimulant compared to when drinking several cups of coffee or other caffeine-containing drinks.
It would be hard to figure out the safe amount of caffeine found in the powdered form, since it is difficult to measure the accurate dose just by using basic measuring instruments found in the kitchen.
The agency has now advised consumers not to consume caffeine in its pure powdered form. For those who might be experiencing symptoms related to caffeine intake, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Powdered caffeine is potentially dangerous to the health and can even result to death when consumed. People with existing ailments should avoid them as well.
Caffeine is an alkaloid naturally present among beans, fruit, and leaves of different plants and is considered a popular psychoactive substance all over the world.
The Washington Post reported that 85 percent of individuals in the United States consume caffeinated beverages at least once a day on the average.
The percentage already includes those below 18 years old, who consume the stimulant through sodas.
