The Food Standards Agency and the Food Standards Agency Scotland have warned consumers about the dangers of caffeine in dietary supplements. Recommendations which echo a tragic incident in the United Kingdom, in which a man lost his life due to a caffeine-based dietary supplement consumed in excess.
Too powerful food supplements?
The agencies stressed that these concentrated forms of caffeine, in powder or tablet form, can be “extremely potent.” The authorities have issued warnings to the population regarding strict compliance with the dosage instructions indicated on the packaging of these food supplements.
These notices follow the death of Tom Mansfielda father of two and fitness trainer from Colwyn Bay in Wales, in January 2021, following an overdose of caffeine powder, equivalent to around 200 cups of coffee. Mr. Mansfield allegedly made a mistake in the dosages, which led him to ingest too much caffeine.
Subsequently, a multi-agency working group addressed broader issues regarding the trade and use of caffeine supplements. Surveys by watchdogs show that less than half of dietary supplement users check dosage details, while 20% admit to neglecting to read instructions for use.
Poorly informed consumers and risks of overdose
Other studies indicate that consumers are not sufficiently informed about the caffeine content of dietary supplements.
To avoid the risk of overdose, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) recommend taking into account the caffeine contained in food supplements, but also that provided by other sources, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks.
Adults can generally consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without adverse effects, but pregnant women are advised to limit their intake to 200 mg per day.
Source: www.topsante.com
