Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Health
Text Size

Caffeine Causes Calls To Poison Control

Doctors Point To Energy Drinks, Caffeine Added To Unexpected Products

POSTED: Friday, July 11, 2008
UPDATED: 5:02 pm CDT July 11, 2008

Poison control centers and emergency rooms in the Boston area and nationwide have noted a spike in calls about caffeine poisoning, Boston television station WCVB reported.

A recently released report by University of Massachusetts Medical School toxicologist Richard Church tracked 4,600 caffeine-related calls to poison control nationwide in 2005, the most recent statistics available. Half involved people under age 19.

It’s all too familiar to the poison control center at Children’s Hospital Boston, where directors confirm receiving dozens of similar calls. Alfred Aleguas, the clinical manager of the regional poison control, located at Children's Hospital Boston, said, “The majority of calls come from school nurses and parents.”

Experts point to energy drinks, the aggressively marketed, caffeine-packed beverages that are sold in nearly every convenience and grocery store as part of the cause of the disturbing trend.

With names like Red Bull, Burn, Rock Star, Adrenaline Rush and even Free Cocaine, the drinks are growing in popularity, becoming the fuel of choice for some teens.

"They do give me an energy burst," said one teenager WCVB-TV interviewed. Another said, "If you’re feeling a little sluggish, it gives you energy."

But others admitted, "It makes my heart beat too fast," and one young girl told WCVB, "I got sick from it once."

"The effects of caffeine are potentially very, very serious," said Dr. Richard Church, a toxicologist at UMass Medical School whose eye-opening report calculated caffeine-related calls to poison control. "We were noticing an influx of patients in our ER who were coming in with caffeine-related complaints and symptoms after drinking energy drinks," Church said.

Some drinks are loaded with two to three times the amount of caffeine that's in a regular cup of coffee. Red Bull has 80 milligrams of caffeine per 8.3 ounce can. Monster has 160mg. Rock Star contains 160mg, and Free Cocaine contains 280mg. Some cans contain more than one serving.

Church said when teenagers don’t realize how much caffeine they are ingesting, "that's when we start see kids coming in with intractable vomiting where they can't stop vomiting. They're having severe headaches and they're feeling like their heart is racing."

But energy drinks may be only part of the story. WCVB discovered extra caffeine is being added to gum, mints, candy bars, even lip balm. A small bag of one caffeine-infused snack food called Engobi contains as much caffeine as two Red Bull drinks, but consumers would never know that by reading the label. Companies often don't specify how much caffeine individual products contain. And other ingredients may add an extra punch.

"Yerba mate, colo nut, cocoa. These are all things that have caffeine in them," said Church.

WCVB discovered these ingredients are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

"The amount of caffeine that's in them is not controlled or looked at at all," said longtime pediatrician John Cohen.

Cohen cautions parents and teenagers to know what they are putting in their bodies, because too much caffeine, he said, could get them into serious medical trouble.

"In my opinion," Cohen said, "All this stuff should be pulled off the market."

Everyone is susceptible to the effects of too much caffeine, doctors WCVB interviewed said people with pre-existing heart or seizure conditions are most at risk of caffeine poisoning.

WCVB contacted the American Beverage Association for its reaction to the UMass Medical School report. The ABA said, "Caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks, can be part of a balanced lifestyle when consumed sensibly."

The statement went on to say that energy drinks "have not been uniquely associated with negative health effects. Importantly, the amount of caffeine contained in mainstream energy drinks is modest, particularly when compared to coffee."
Text Size
The views expressed are not those of Click2Houston.com, KPRC or its affiliated companies. This is a community moderated forum. (Please note the 'Like' and 'Report' tabs.) By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

      During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

    • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

      You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

    • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

      In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

    • Ten Rules For Interviewing

      In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links