Pure caffeine proves deadly

Many of us runners like the pep in our step that comes along with a morning cup of coffee. Some of us may have even popped a caffeine pill before an important race. So, at first, caffeine powder may not seem like that bad of an idea.

That is, until you hear that one teaspoon of pure caffeine can be the equivalent to approximately 25 cups of coffee. That’s right, a teaspoon– that’s just 5 grams.

South of the border, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers against the product in the spring, after it was linked to the death of a teenager in Ohio. Now, the FDA is building a legal case against companies that sell the powder.

Pure caffeine powder is an unregulated dietary supplement. This means that federal authorities do not currently have any involvement in limiting dosage, like they do with caffeine in soft drinks. By pursuing legal action in the United States, the FDA hopes to be able to remove caffeine powder from shelves.

Health Canada recommends a daily upper limit of 450 mg of caffeine a day for adults. Canada, like the States, does not currently have regulations on caffeine powder.