Based on recent reports, attorneys are warning food manufacturers to think twice before automatically adding caffeine to their mix of health-harming processed foods and drinks.
Excessive caffeine consumption may be a growing problem. A review of records from a regional poison control center in Chicago found 265 cases of caffeine intoxication, including 31 hospitalizations and 20 ICU admissions. Most were sickened by caffeine taken in the form of dietary supplements, medications, or energy drinks.
Caffeine is being added to a growing number of products, including sports drinks, energy drinks and gels, caffeinated waters, and fruit juice. So far, the FDA has had little interest in regulating its use.
Symptoms of caffeine intoxication include insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, and neurological symptoms.