One to two cups of coffee everyday can prevent diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. (Photo : Pixabay)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against pure powdered caffeine sold directly to consumers.
The FDA has advised consumers to stay away from powdered caffeine, as it may cause accidental overdose.
According to its advisory, the products is "essentially 100 percent caffeine". It estimates that a single teaspoon is equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.
It noted that at least two deaths has resulted from intake of pure caffeine.
Last year, a teenager in Ohio, crowned his school's prom king, died after taking a teaspoon of the powder prompting an inquiry from the FDA to study regulatory actions against distributor of the product.
But as early as 2010, a party-goer in the United Kingdom was widely reported to have died after consuming two spoonfuls of powdered caffeine.
In both cases, the product was obtained through purchases on the Internet.
The FDA has zeroed in on pure powdered caffeine sold in bulk bags over the internet. It noted that it is difficult to measure accurately the powdered caffeine using common kitchen tools, which leads to accidental consumption of lethal amount.
The agency said parents should be aware of the potency of pure powdered caffeine, and that teenagers may be attracted to the product due to its perceived benefits.
