Caffeine often helps workaholics and active individuals with their day to day tasks as it gives the body an extra boost. As per the Inc. website, Australians alone spent almost $800 million over 2 billion of coffee last 2014.
Though caffeine consumption may seem harmless, it already caused a spark as numerous news have emerged that caffeine overdose has already caused several deaths.
As per the Independent UK News Website, numerous caffeine related deaths have affected individuals below 21 years of age.
A 14-year-old with a heart condition died after going into cardiac arrest shortly after she drank two caffeinated energy drinks in 24-hours.
A 19-year-old Connecticut resident died after she took a dozen caffeine pills.And a healthy Ohio teen who was a high school wrestler died after consuming powdered caffeine.
These caffeine related deaths alarmed the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] as it mounted an aggressive effort to warn consumers regarding the health risk of consuming too much caffeine.
FDA then stated that:
"The difference between a safe amount and a toxic dose of caffeine in these pure powdered products is very small, furthermore, safe quantities of these products can be nearly impossible to measure accurately with common kitchen measuring tools."
In regards to these caffeine death related occurrences, Health News Website then added that caffeine is lethal to kids. It has no nutritional value and it is known as a psychoactive stimulant which affects the brain chemistry. Caffeine also causes physical dependence. children hooked on caffeine often crave and ask for it. It is usually addictive as it is used in sodas and energy boosters.
An assistant professor and director of cardiopulmonary rehab at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, Jonathan Whiteson, MD then made a statement regarding caffeine consumption in kids.
"As parents, my wife and I have sought to educate ourselves and our kids on the risks of using caffeine too early in life. When food shopping, we avoid buying caffeinated products. Flavored seltzer water-no added sugar-has become a favorite in our family. We don't let the boys drink tea or coffee yet."
He then added:
"As a doctor, I strongly suggest you moderate the caffeine consumption of your kids, if not eliminate it from their daily diets completely. Read labels like a hawk (and if "caffeine" is on the ingredient list put it back). Your kids will be better off if they don't belong to Generation C."