Caffeine is an essential part of our daily lives, whether at work, studying, or socializing, and during Ramadan, we may consume more caffeine-containing drinks. However, did you know that there is a condition known as caffeine poisoning? Experts indicate that there is a limit to the amount of caffeine we should consume because excessive caffeine can lead to various health symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, anxiety, and seizures. A caffeine overdose can be a serious condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against consuming more than 4 to 5 cups of coffee daily, while some experts suggest that caffeine poisoning may appear after the twelfth cup.
What exactly is this condition, and can it be fatal? Caffeine consumption comes in various forms; besides coffee and tea, there are energy drinks and caffeine pills. Nutrition experts note that caffeine poisoning can be life-threatening. Although it is not very common, caffeine poisoning can indeed be deadly, as the majority of accidental deaths related to caffeine are associated with high doses of "caffeine pills," which are not regulated by the FDA, leading to varying dosage levels depending on the brand.
It is rare for someone to ingest a large enough dose of caffeine to be lethal, as a caffeine dose is usually fatal only when blood caffeine levels exceed 80-100 milligrams per liter. One scientific review indicated that the number of recorded deaths due to caffeine poisoning is only 92 cases. Caffeine poisoning can cause a range of severe harmful effects on the body, including anxiety, seizures, rapid heartbeat, and loss of body minerals.
