The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent new guidance regarding the use of caffeine in food supplements following a tragic incident in the UK where a man died due to a caffeine overdose. The FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are warning consumers about highly-concentrated caffeine supplements, such as caffeine powder, which can be extremely potent. They advise users to always adhere to the dosage instructions on the label and to use precise measuring equipment.
This alert comes after a personal trainer and father of two, Tom Mansfield from Colwyn Bay in Wales, passed away in January 2021 after ingesting caffeine powder equivalent to up to 200 cups of coffee. Mr Mansfield mistakenly weighed a dosage of the powder using a scale with a much broader weighing range, leading him to consume several grams inadvertently. In response to this incident, a cross-government working group has been examining broader issues related to the sale and consumption of caffeine supplements, including conducting additional research.
Research conducted for the watchdogs revealed that less than half of people check for dosage instructions on supplements, with 20% admitting they do not read the labels. Furthermore, a significant number of consumers have limited or no knowledge about caffeine in food supplements. While caffeine is commonly used by some individuals, particularly gym-goers, to enhance sports performance, the FSA and FSS recommend that caffeine intake from supplements should be taken into account alongside other sources of caffeine like coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
According to the guidance provided, adults can consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day without experiencing adverse effects. However, pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake to 200mg per day. High levels of caffeine consumption can lead to various issues such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, agitation, palpitations, diarrhoea, and restlessness. Individuals with mental health conditions may experience exacerbated psychosis, especially those who are sensitive to caffeine or have underlying health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure.
Professor Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific adviser, emphasised the importance of following dosage instructions and using accurate measuring tools when consuming caffeine supplements. He highlighted that individuals experiencing caffeine-related side effects should consider their overall caffeine intake from supplements in addition to their regular diet. Pregnant women were specifically advised to be cautious about their caffeine consumption and to look for warning labels on products indicating unsuitability.
In conclusion, the FSA is reminding businesses of their responsibility to provide safe food products and comply with food labelling regulations to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their dietary choices. The tragic incident involving Mr Mansfield underscores the critical need for consumers to be vigilant when using caffeine supplements and to follow guidelines meticulously to prevent any harmful consequences.