Caffeine-Laced Energy Strips Cause Concern Among Experts

The launch of caffeine-laced energy strips by Australian company Reddies has raised concerns among health experts in the country. The wafer thin strip is being marketed to busy professionals and the workout crowd as a quicker and 'bulk free' alternative to a cup of coffee for their caffeine fix. Once placed in the mouth, the strip quickly dissolves, allowing caffeine to be absorbed into the body directly. The maker also claimed that users of the strip can get a hit of caffeine without consuming the sugar associated with coffee or other energy drinks.

Health experts however have expressed concern over the product, stating that it drastically increases the risk of caffeine overdose, especially among children, with each strip containing amount of caffeine equivalent to a can of cola. They were also concerned over the possibility that people could become dependent on fast-acting forms of caffeine similar to the strips.

"Caffeine can increase your heart rate, it can increase your blood pressure, it can also increase the thickness of the blood in your blood vessels and that can lead to stroke. It can also lead to dependence on caffeine in all different forms, but particularly the fast-acting forms like these strips", cardiologist Chris Semsarian said.


Source-Medindia