Huntsvile, AL -
Harvard University professor David Edwards believes his new breathable caffeine product AeroShot is a revolution in energy supplements. However, some lawmakers think the product is a recipe for danger.
The product is a lipstick sized capsule that dispenses caffeine powder when users puff on the tip. Each AeroShot delivers 100mg of caffeine, roughly the same amount as one large cup of coffee. The powder is lime-flavored and dissolves in the mouth. It is absorbed into the digestive tract, not the lungs.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York), who led the campaign against the dangers of the alcoholic energy drink, Four-Loko, said AeroShot is the next tool for kids looking to binge drink. Schumer called on the Food and Drug Administration to look into how the product is being sold.
AeroShot did not have to pass an FDA approval process before hitting shelves in New York, Massachusetts, and being sold online, because it is being marketed as a dietary supplement. There are no age restrictions on who can buy AeroShot. However the manufacturer, Breathable Foods, Inc., said the product is not intended for people under the age of 12.
"The good news is, caffeine is in and out of your system pretty fast. The problem is, let's say they want to stay more awake so they can drink more. Oh, there's always going to be that," said Dr. Tim Howard, who operates a general family practice in Huntsville. "If you do it responsibly, say, first thing in the morning you don't have time to get a cup of coffee you have one of these and you've got big meetings or something like that, then I don't have any problems using it for that kind of situation."
AeroShot executives said the product is not marketed toward children and even adults should not take more than three AeroShots in one day. According to their marketing materials, they believe AeroShot is "perfect for early morning runners or health-conscious athletes looking for a boost of pre-workout energy without the known additives of other energy products."
FDA officials said they plan to look into the safety and sales category of the product.
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Lawmakers believe AeroShot will be abused by teenagers.
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