(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Doctors are warning parents about the dangers of
caffeine-containing chewing gum following an Italian boy's hospitalization.
After consuming two packets of "energy" chewing gum, a 13-year-old boy was
hospitalized after displaying unusually aggressive behavior and agitation,
abdominal discomfort, painful urination and prickling sensations in his legs.
His rapid heartbeat and breathing and raised blood pressure were also cause for
concern. Three days later, he returned with a slow heartbeat and low left-ventrical
ejection fraction, and appeared sleepy and sluggish.
"The transient constellation of signs and symptoms in our patient was most
likely secondary to acute intoxication of stimulant chewing gums," the study
authors wrote.
Caffeine intoxication is said to occur after the consumption of 250 milligrams
of caffeine. This boy was estimated to have consumed 320 milligrams of caffeine
-- the equivalent of 10 cups of tea over four hours.
"The use of stimulant chewing gum should be considered in cases of caffeine
intoxication," the authors wrote. "The risk of intoxication is high in children
and teenagers in view of general caffeine-naivety, and the unrestricted sale of
these substances."
SOURCE: The Lancet, 2009
