In small doses, caffeine can offer quite a few health benefits. However, too much of it and it can quickly become fatal. This is exactly what happened to Davis Cripe, a 16-year-old student.
According to the coroner, Davis died from heart problems despite having no pre-existing heart condition. The investigation showed that the teenager experienced abnormal heart rhythm within two hours of drinking a large Mountain Dew, a latte from McDonald’s and an energy drink.
Here’s a quick estimate at how much caffeine Davis potentially ingested before he collapsed.
- Large Mountain Dew: 20 oz = 90 mg of caffeine
- Small latte from McDonald’s: 12 oz = 71 mg of caffeine
- Generic energy drink: Can vary between 80 to 140 mg of caffeine per 8 oz
Estimated total caffeine: Between 241 to 301 mg
Not The First Time This Happens…
How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
Up to 400 mg of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two “energy shot” drinks. (1)
For healthy teenagers, however, the recommended upper daily limit is 100 mg.
Another thing to keep in mind is that caffeine sources do matter. Drinking a cup of tea or black coffee isn’t as bad as drinking a can of soda or a can of energy drink.
Related: What Happens 24 Hours After Drinking an Energy Drink
Please share this post with your loved ones. No family should have to experience this kind of loss ever again. Especially, if it’s avoidable. Talk to your kids about the dangers of too much caffeine!
sources: NBC4i, Fox59, CTVNews