Ohio Teen's Death Prompts FDA to Issue Warning Against Caffeine Powder

The death of an Ohio teen after eating caffeine powder prompted the United States Food and Drug Administration to issue a warning about possible dangers of consuming the product.

Autopsy of 18-year-old Logan Stiner of LaGrange, OH, detected more than 70 micrograms of caffeine per milliliter in his blood. It is 23 times higher than the amount found in a typical coffee or soda drink.

According to the FDA, powerful stimulants that are easily available online are popular among the youngsters as dietary supplements. Pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant and very small amounts may cause accidental overdose, the FDA said in a statement.

Caffeine powder is generally added to drinks before workout as a means of managing weight. If used as per directions, the powder is harmless. But, if the concentration of the product is high a heap full of tablespoon might lead to complications.

"I don't think any of us really knew that this stuff was out there,'' said Jay Arbaugh, the Keystone Local Schools superintendent, to the Associated Press.

"The difference between a safe amount and a lethal dose of caffeine in these powdered products is very small," said FDA spokeswoman Jennifer Dooren.

Caffeine overdose can lead to rapid or erratic heartbeat, vomiting, seizures, diarrhea and disorientation. ''The thing about caffeine is just because you see it every day, just because it's naturally occurring - it comes from a plant - doesn't mean that it's safe," Dr. Bob Hoffman, a New York University medical toxicologist, said.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group, had requested the FDA in June for consumer warnings on caffeinated drinks. "The overuse and misuse of caffeine in the food supply is creating a wild-west marketplace, and it's about time the sheriff noticed and did something about it," Jim O'Hara of CSPI said in a statement.

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