A new health advisory warns consumers that powdered pure caffeine can be dangerous and deadly. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises the public to avoid pure caffeine powder.
Some retailers sell pure caffeine powder in bulk. It is marketed as a dietary supplement. Parents need to be aware that many teens and young adults take it for an energy boost. Others consume caffeine powder in an attempt to enhance performance or lose weight.
Caffeine powder is highly potent, and a safe serving size is extremely small. It is nearly impossible to measure caffeine powder accurately in the home. As a result the risk of an accidental, lethal overdose is high.
“A small overdose of caffeine powder can be deadly,” said AASM President Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler.
The AASM health advisory supports a recent FDA warning about powdered pure caffeine. The FDA notes that the potency of a single teaspoon of pure caffeine is about the same as 25 cups of coffee.
Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include a rapid heartbeat and seizures. Tragically, a small overdose of pure caffeine powder can result in death.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can provide a short-term alertness boost. It can be helpful following a period of sleep restriction or sleep loss. But caffeine also can disturb your sleep if taken in the afternoon or evening. The AASM advises using caffeine in moderation.
“No stimulant is a substitute for healthy sleep,” said Morgenthaler.
Sleep is an all-natural performance enhancer that gives you an energy boost. It also improves your health and mood. Best of all – it’s free, and no prescription is required. You can’t find it online, but you can get it at home.
Try some sleep tonight!
