Unfortunately, there are already many examples, at the cost of human lives, of “fads” that appear on social media, spreading like pollen in the wind. According to the Spanish publication “El Mundo”, another new “fad” imported from the United States has already arrived in the neighboring country – and the distance to Portugal is very small … – which seems to be the next step on the evolution ladder of energy drinks: inhaling caffeine powder.
What does this dangerous fashion consist of?
Literally, inhaling pure caffeine powder through the nose. In many videos circulating on social media, you can see young people pouring a pea-sized amount onto the back of their hand and then inhaling it. All in order to get the energy they need on a daily basis.
Is it like drinking coffee?
It doesn't even come close: if we go to a coffee shop and order a cup, we're ingesting 60 to 80 mg of caffeine, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the bloodstream and suppress the feeling of fatigue. If it's a can of Coca-Cola, we're talking about 35 mg.
Pure caffeine is quite different: According to the FDA, one teaspoon of this substance contains 2,200 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 28 cups of coffee.
The dangers it contains
In the United States, inhaling pure caffeine has killed at least two teenagers, one in Ohio and one in Georgia, who suffered cardiac arrest after consuming it. The maximum recommended daily dose of caffeine is four or five cups, and this compound doubles that to six cups.
Such an amount of caffeine in the blood will lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or a myocardial infarction. It should also be taken into account that when taken in this way, it is absorbed by the body more quickly from the digestive tract, thus increasing the risk of overdose.
What does it contain besides caffeine?
As if the effect of pure caffeine wasn’t enough, manufacturers often add different substances in varying proportions to complement its effect. This is the case with ingredients such as guarana, taurine, tryptophan or theanine. A real bombshell that puts your health at serious risk.
Andrea Hargraves is a contributor to Brytfmonline.com, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is committed to delivering clear, accurate, and reader-focused reporting that helps audiences stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Andrea’s work emphasizes useful information, balanced coverage, and stories that matter to everyday readers, making complex topics accessible and relevant to a wide audience.