Increased Caffeine Poisoning in Children and Teens Are Noted at Poison Centers in Boston, Indianapolis and Cities Nationwide

My Call to an Indianapolis Center Mirrored a Nationwide Study Showing More Poison Calls

A recent report released from a University of Massachusetts Medical School toxicologist, Richard Church, indicated that many hospitals and poison control centers are noting an increase in caffeine poisonings in those who are 19 years old or younger. After reading this, I called the Indiana Poison Center and spoke to the director, James Mawry.

He verified that reports of caffeine poisoning are on the rise in Indiana and have prompted increased calls to the Poison Center, with a 50 percent increase since 2005. Statistics are kept on reported poisonings given to the center from hospitals as well as calls to the Poison Center itself.(Source: James Mawry, Director of Indiana Poison Center, full source info at end of article.)

This mirrors the information found by a team of investigators, one which reflected sharply increased caffeine poisonings in the Boston area. Most involved children or young adults under 19 years of age. While full information isn't yet available as to why caffeine poisoning is being reported more often, plenty of finger pointing is being directed towards drinks like Red Bull and energy drinks. At this point, parents and others who worry about how much caffeine their children may be eating or drinking (caffeine is in many food products) might want to read on...

What is caffeine poisoning and why is it being reported more often in Boston, Indianapolis and nationwide?

In the Boston area alone, 4600 calls were made to poison control in 2005, the most recent date when info was collected. According to my local source at the Poison Control Center, reports of caffeine poisoning in Indiana have shown significant increases, with each year reflecting more calls from parents, school nurses and others. Statistics and data collected from hospitals back up the information about increased calls about caffeine poisoning. Happily, in the Indianapolis area, most of those affected do not suffer serious harm or death. Even so, symptoms of caffeine poisoning are not to be taken lightly.