Snorting Caffeine Powder? You Could Damage Your Heart

If you think just drinking an extra cup of coffee is the only way to get a caffeine boost, then think again. Some people are now actively snorting caffeine powder for more intense and longer lasting stimulant effects but they don't realize that it can be incredibly dangerous.

 In this blog post, we're going to look at how snorting caffeine can have dangerous consequences on your health – specifically your heart – even after consuming small amounts. So read on if you want to make sure you stay safe when using caffeine.

What is Caffeine Powder?

Caffeine powder is a dietary supplement containing pure or highly concentrated powdered caffeine. They are mainly used as sports and gym supplements for energy, agility, and stamina. Fitness enthusiasts use them to boost energy and stimulate workout performance. Since caffeine increases the metabolism rate, some also use it to lose weight.

According to Market Watch, North America is the largest consumer of caffeine powder. Global consumption is valued at 402.2 million USD in 2020 and is projected to reach 640.7 by 2026 end.

These supplements are sold in bulk, comprising hundreds to thousands of serving in each bottle.

Unlike caffeine pills, you must carefully measure the caffeine powder while consuming. Each serving of caffeine powder is equal to 1/16th teaspoon. A little more than that, you will get a caffeine overdose.

Snorting Caffeine Powder

Caffeine powder is safe to take within the recommended amount. However, the rise of caffeine abuse has become the biggest concern. Caffeine powder comes with a pure form of caffeine. Even a pinch carries higher stimulating effects than a teaspoon of coffee grinds.

Caffeine powder looks similar to cocaine and amphetamine. Abusers snort them to get the stimulating effect. The primary issue is it is too easy to overdose. Each teaspoon of pure caffeine contains up to 4200 mg of caffeine. A standard cup of black coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine. This means, a teaspoon of pure caffeine equals around 45 cups of coffee.

Even snorting one teaspoon of caffeine powder can make you severely ill. You may end up in the ER. It is known that two spoonfuls of caffeine powder can kill several people. There are several cases of people dying or being hospitalized due to caffeine overdose.

That's why FDA in the USA has banned the sale or purchase of a bulk package of caffeine powder.

The steps by FDA have made some significant changes, but it is a long way to go. Caffeine powders are readily available on Amazon. However, the supplements have maxed at 220 mg per dose.

Another form of caffeine powder is known as Coco Loko. The company used to advertise its products similar to street drugs. Their products, including the original "Legal Lean," was administered the same way as any illicit drug. It was marketed to young people in a way that glorifies street drugs. Once it came under the FDA's radar, they had to change their marketing strategies.

In 2018, FDA cracked down on many companies selling caffeine powder as dietary supplements. These supplements contain pure or highly concentrated caffeine in powder and liquid form. Now it is illegal to sell them in bulk quantities to consumers.

Although stringent rules are implemented on caffeine powder sales, it is just a patch. This will be insignificant as long as caffeine is readily available everywhere. Large quantities of caffeine are present in energy drinks.

These are targeted at young people. Besides, caffeine is present in a lot of food you eat. Most teenagers and youngsters are unaware of what a hefty dose of caffeine can do to their bodies.

Can Powdered Caffeine stop Your Heart?

According to William T. Abraham, MD, and Everyday Health Columnist, caffeine overdose patients often complain of heart issues. Some say their heart is racing, while others are experiencing pounding. It can turn life-threatening heart arrhythmia into extreme conditions and stops the heart.

It is because caffeine releases a wave of adrenaline. Plus, it blocks the enzyme in heart cells, modulating the adrenaline effects on the heart. This induces symptoms like tachycardia and a faster heartbeat. In this condition, each heartbeat beats with an increased force.

The pure or powdered version of caffeine is highly toxic to individuals of all ages. The toxicity might differ based on a person's health, age, and size. However, it is pretty sure that even a tiny amount of caffeine powder, as small as 6.5 grams, can cause death. 

Pure caffeine powders are readily available online so anyone can get them without a doctor's prescription. This leads to increased substance abuse and overdose.

Caffeine Abuse Comes With Significant side Effects, such as

• Arrhythmia (stopping of the heart)

• Cardiac arrest

• Confusion 

• Agitation

In some cases, it can lead to death.

Snorting Caffeine can Increase the side Effects in Multiple. The side Effects Include

• Bloody nose

• Sinus infection

• Stuffiness or swelling in the nose

• Lung infections

• Granulomatous infections

• Breathing complications

• Deviated septum

• Perforation in the nose

• Tissue necrosis

• Ulcers inside nose and throat

Overdose From Snorting Caffeine Powder

Caffeine snorting is pretty dangerous, and one can easily overdose on it.

The side Effects of Overdosing by Snorting Caffeine Include

• Erratic heartbeat

• Rapid heartbeat

• Seizures

• Multiple organ failures

• Severe diarrhea

• Stupor

• Nausea

Does Caffeine Powder Affect your Brain?

You can experience the stimulating effects of caffeine soon after consuming it. It gets absorbed in your small intestines within minutes. From there, it passes in your bloodstream to your brain. This is how caffeine has effects on your brain.

Caffeine has similar effects as adenosine. It is a chemical compound naturally produced in your brain. Adenosine integrates with your brain receptors and evokes the feeling of tiredness. This persuades you to take some rest.

When you take caffeine, it enters your adenosine receptors and blocks them. As a result, you won't feel tired. Instead, you will feel energetic and alert if the caffeine is in your system.

As the brain realizes the blockage of adenosine receptors, it increases adrenaline production. This further increases the feeling of energy and alertness. When you consume too much caffeine, adrenaline production goes off the chart. This makes you feel jittery and irritated, including all the other side effects. That's why when it leaves the body, your entire body crashes. Consequently, you end up feeling more tired and drained out. This is called a caffeine crash.

According to a report by Nutritional Neuroscience, scientists suggested that coffee consumption can reduce the volume of gray matter in your brain. This can increase your risk of developing dementia.

Conclusion

The bottom line: snorting caffeine powder is a risk that is not worth taking. Not only could you be negatively impacting your health – you could be putting yourself in danger of suffering from heart damage, or worse. It’s best to stick to coffee and tea as sources of caffeine, as those are natural products that have been time-tested over the ages. Don’t put yourself at risk by relying on an unregulated product with unknown ingredients and potentially dangerous side effects; after all, it’s your health we’re talking about here. It’s always better safe than sorry! While we all enjoy a little stimulant boost every now and then, snorting caffeine powder should definitely be avoided at all costs – your heart will thank you for it.