Can Consuming Caffeine Become Toxic, Leading to Death

3 months ago (Edited)

I went to buy an energy drink yesterday and someone said you shouldn't take this thing regularly. He went on to tell me about an alternative which would give me energy and help me stay focused but as you would expect, I have my skepticism about the product. I have also been asked questions like why do I always look tired even when the spirit is willing to work but the flesh is unwilling because it looks like it doesn't have enough energy to work. Reading the news about a lady that died as a result of drinking caffeine, I decided to look at Caffeine and began to wonder if caffeine could lead to a person's death.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed legal stimulant worldwide found in the seeds of Coffee, Cacao, Guarana, and Green tea. When Caffeine are consumed in relatively small doses, there aren't any side effects being noticed but unlike cases where people decides to take this by themselves, companies are now adding excessive amounts of caffeine to energy drinks which can lead to
Wikimedia

caffeine intoxication.

Wikimedia

Caffeine intoxication presents clinically with headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, anxiety, hyperventilation, dizziness, Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus), Irritability, Tremor, and agitation. In severe case of intoxication, it can lead to high blood pressure, arrhytmias, and seizures. The level of caffeine consumption that can lead to intoxication is yet to be ascertained but then it is said that 10g per day in adult can lead to intoxication and 10g of caffeine can be equivalent to about 100 cups of coffee.

Caffeine intoxication fetal cases are very rare and the world strongest coffee know as the Death Wish Coffee has about 300mg to 700mg of caffeine per cup. Caffeine is quickly absorbed in the gut within 15 minutes and it reaches its peak absorption in 1 hour after consumption. Within 50 to 200mg is enough to achieve mild stimulation of the brain and about 80mg to 100mg per liter will be required to be the fatal blood concentration for caffeine which means that a person will have to consume between 10 to 20 cups of death coffee.

Needpix

Less adenosine receptor stimulation leads to more alertness and since caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in the brain, it increases alertness increasing the intracellular calcium. When this is extremely high, it can lead to seizure, and arrhytmia. For most healthy adults, about 400mg of caffeine per day is safe but it is important that I mention that caffeine in its powdered form (pure form) can easily lead to toxicity very fast as 1 teaspoon of pure caffeine can be equal to about 25 cups of coffee.

It is no doubt that caffeine is a widely consumed legal stimulant known for its ability to increase alertness and energy levels, it's essential to recognize the potential risks associated with its consumption, especially in excessive amounts. Caffeine intoxication can lead to a range of adverse effects, from mild symptoms like headaches and nausea to more severe conditions such as high blood pressure and seizures.

As consumers, it's crucial to be mindful of our caffeine intake and to understand the potential consequences of overconsumption. While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, it's important to exercise caution, particularly when consuming highly caffeinated products like energy drinks or pure caffeine powder.

Can Consuming Caffeine Become Toxic, Leading to Death

Read More For Understanding