Woman Dies from Caffeine Overdose and Expert Calls for Action in New Book and FDA Petition

An autopsy released this week has found caffeine to be the cause of death for a woman from New Mexico. The incident took place in June 2004 after she was admitted to a hospital after a fight with her son. The injuries sustained were thought to be the cause of her lapsing into a coma but was later revealed that high amounts of caffeine were found.

"So many hidden forms of caffeine exist," says Kushner, "from baked goods, frozen dairy products, gelatins, puddings, analgesics and even lipstick!"

Kirkus Discoveries calls Kushner's new book, "A wake-up call about caffeine" and "full of interesting factoids" while listing specific health threats (heart disease, central-nervous-system disorders, ulcers, cancer) and mapping out specific routes to end dependency.

"It's unfortunate that a death must result to draw attention to this most insidious drug," adds Kushner. Her organization, the Caffeine Awareness Alliance. has formally petitioned the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to require manufacturers of caffeinated products to indicate the exact amount of caffeine in milligrams so consumers can make informed choices.

Caffeine intoxication can produce mood swings and insomnia, increased muscle tension, impair digestion and nutrition, restrict blood circulation to the brain, raise blood pressure and accelerate the heart rate. Death can result in as little as 5 grams of caffeine.

"Life Without Caffeine" features numerous clinical studies by respected medical journals and healthy alternatives to coffee.

Marina Kushner is the founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance, the first non-profit organization dedicated solely to educating consumers about the dangers of caffeine intoxication. She is a reformed coffee drinker, leading investigative journalist and speaker. She is president of Soy Coffee, LLC, makers of the popular caffeine-free coffee substitute "Soyfee", which is made from soybeans. Certified organic, its brewed just like coffee and comes in 8 delicious flavors like hazelnut, mocha, french vanilla & house blend. Its available at select health food stores or online at http://www.soycoffee.com.

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