Kiwi Scientist Concerned About High-Potency Caffeine Products for Sale

University of Auckland nutritional physiologist Associate Professor Jennifer Miles-Chan has raised concerns about the easy availability of high potency caffeine products online, which could easily be consumed in excess. In New Zealand, there are varying standards as to the amount of caffeine allowed in food and beverages. Energy drinks have no more than 32mg of caffeine per 100ml, while pure caffeine food products are banned from retail sale in Australia and New Zealand. Foods must contain less than 5% caffeine in solid or semi-solid foods (like powders).

A quick Google search reveals that you can buy 99% pure caffeine powder from a Christchurch-based company, which can be purchased in various amounts, including 5kgs for $700. While the website states the powder is “for external use only,” other wording on the site could suggest some people are buying the powder to ingest, warning the product is “highly toxic” even in small doses with just one teaspoon containing “the same amount of caffeine as 28 cups of coffee”. Pure caffeine powder is highly toxic and is not sold for consumption.

Many powders with lower concentrations of caffeine are marketed for consumption as “pre-workout supplements.” Zombie Labs extreme stimulant pre-workout powder has 400mg of caffeine in two scoops – the caffeine-equivalent of four shots of espresso. Four shots of espresso delivers 400mg of caffeine. The powder is for sale on supplements.co.nz and is marketed as an “unbelievable sensory experience that delivers euphoric moods and energy levels”. Overall, the concentration of caffeine is within the Food Standards rules, but one serve would result in two times the recommended single dose of caffeine for adults. It also hits the overall limit for daily intake of caffeine from all sources.

Another available product is caffeine capsules like NoWhey Caffeine, which come in packs of 400 for $29.95. They are described as “a carefully measured dose of caffeine… to help you stay alert, focused, and energized throughout your day.” Each capsule contains 200mg of caffeine, the maximum recommended dose in a single serve.

Caffeine has instant physiological effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Too much caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and nausea. Larger doses might cause headache, anxiety, and chest pain. A 21-year-old Australian man died after putting too much pure caffeine powder in his protein shake, and in the United States, at least two deaths have been attributed to highly concentrated caffeine products.

A Fair Go comparison found most 500ml energy drinks in New Zealand have between 150 and 160mg of caffeine. No Doz caffeine tablets, available at supermarkets, service stations, and chemists, have 100mg per dose. Cocaine has far less caffeine than the energy drinks we tested.

Miles-Chan said that because foods and drinks with caffeine are often marketed as something “attractive”, it can be hard for people to see any danger associated with them. She believes there should be much more education on the dangerous of consuming high doses of caffeine, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and what to do if you accidentally consume too much.

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