Caffeine powders caused a massive surge in poison control center calls, analysis shows

Caffeine powders and similar products are behind a more than 600% increase in calls to poison control centers for people 20 and younger, the Center for Injury Research and Policy has found.

Researchers from the center, which is part of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, looked at data from the National Poison Data System. They found that more than 32,000 caffeine energy product exposures involving people younger than 20 were reported to U.S. poison centers from 2011 through 2023. Over that span, calls related to caffeine powders and granules spiked 633%.

“The increase in the powder/granules category includes products such as pre-workout powders and powdered caffeine that consumers can add to drinks,” said study co-author Hannah Hays, medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center. “Because of unclear dosing instructions or preparation errors, overdose can occur.

“Concentrated powder or granules may also be mistaken by a young child as a food item. Our study noted most exposures in children younger than 6 years (98%) and 6-12 years (56%) were unintentional across all caffeine categories, which is consistent with the natural curiosity and exploratory nature of these age groups.”

Calls about caffeinated solids increased 52%, while calls about caffeinated liquids increased 35%.

“The high and increasing rate of exposure in this vulnerable age group indicates that caffeine energy products are accessible and attractive to young children,” Hays said. “Caffeine energy products should not have packaging that is appealing to young children and should be kept out of the sight and reach of young children.”

Hays and her colleagues recommend talking with kids and teens about the dangers of caffeine energy products. They also recommend saving the National Poison Help Line number – (800) 222-1222 – in your phone and posting it in a prominent place in your home. That free hotline is available 24/7.

The study was published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.