The powder segment of the global protein supplements market held 64.8% share of the overall revenue in 2018. The development of innovative protein powder continues to meet demand. Products tout the health benefits for everything from muscle repair to enhanced energy. While many people use protein powder for their health benefits, they often overlook the potential risks. (1)
Nigel Foote of New South Wales, Australia is urging people to consider the risks of protein supplements following the death of his son Lachlan. Lachlan collapsed after drinking a protein shake containing a caffeine supplement. Early on January 1, 2018, his parents found him on the bathroom floor of their Blackheath home. It was one day before his 22nd birthday. (2)
Lachlan’s father believed the protein powder his son took before retiring that evening was responsible for his death. It was later confirmed by the coroner that Lachlan did, in fact, die from caffeine toxicity. (2)
Banned In The U.S.
The substance was banned in the U.S. after a similar death of 18-year-old Ohio high school student, Logan Stiner. Logan died from cardiac arrhythmia and a seizure, according to the coroner. When the FDA placed their ban on high concentrations of caffeine, they also noted concerns regarding the dangers of improper measurement of the protein powder. The recommended dose is only one-sixteenth of a teaspoon. This is not only a minuscule amount but also very hard to measure accurately. A full teaspoon is an equivalent of drinking up to 28 cups of coffee according to the FDA. That can cause serious health effects, including rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat, seizures, and even death. (3, 4, 5)
A recent Coroners report provided to the Foote family showed Lachlan had “unknowingly” ingested a fatal amount of pure caffeine powder. This shows the dangers of not only the powder but how easily someone can miscalculate a safe amount. (2)
Lachlan’s Final Hours
Lachlan’s father recently shared his son’s final hours with news.com.au. Lachlan’s final Facebook post showed he suspected something was off with the powder: “I think my protein powder has gone off. Just made an anti-hangover/workout shake and it tasted awful.” Shortly after that Lachlan likely suffered a heart attack. (2)
A Public Plea
On Sunday, July 7, 2017, Nigel posted a warning on Facebook about the dangers of the powder. In his post, he says, “It’s just insane that something so dangerous is so readily available. Please warn your friends, talk to your children… and perhaps check your kitchen cupboards…pure caffeine powder looks just like any other white powder… but a heaped teaspoon of it will kill you.” (6)
Nigel’s fear is that many people like his son will underestimate the potential dangers of this seemingly harmless powder. He believes a friend gave his son the caffeine powder. There was no evidence he had made a purchase of the powder according to his computer and bank statements. If this is the case, there is a chance he was not given the opportunity to read the warning label. Because of this, the family wants to warn people about the dangers of caffeine powder. They don’t want to see anyone else harmed, or worse, killed because of improper use. (2)
Dangers of Concentrated Caffeine
While consumers are aware of the nervousness and tremors caused by caffeine, most are unaware of how dangerous caffeine becomes in this highly concentrated form. Serious health effects can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat
- Seizures
- Death
According to the FDA, highly concentrated caffeine products are even more dangerous if you have a pre-existing health condition. (5)
Unregulated Substance
The family does not blame the person who provided the protein powder to Lachlan for his death. Instead, they feel the NSW Food Authority, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand have failed to protect consumers. However, it is actually not the Australian food authorities’ responsibility to regulate supplements such as caffeine supplement powder. Instead, it is the Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA). (2)
The TGA’s latest post on their website regarding caffeine dates back to 2013. It states: “the TGA is undertaking a comprehensive review of the safety of therapeutic goods containing…caffeine” Although it does warn parents and consumers against use, it is not illegal to buy the supplement online from an overseas supplier. (7)
With so many variations of protein powder available today, it is always important to read the label and follow the directions carefully.
Australian Government Takes Action
It’s not always the case that government agencies take immediate action to secure the health and safety of their citizens, though some may argue that is the purpose of their existence. Luckily, the Australian federal government is doing just that. As news.au.com reports, “The review will examine the current regulations surrounding the sale of such products and whether appropriate warning labels and consumer safety information should be carried on them. A response, including “preliminary recommendations for strengthening regulations and consumer warnings”, is due by the end of August, 2019.” While it is illegal to sell caffeine powder supplements if they make therapeutic claims, these compounds can be legally imported into the country for personal use. Lachlan’s untimely death highlights a global problem of how dangerous supplements can be since they go largely unregulated. Hopefully, some good can come from this tragic loss.
