Title: FDA Issues Warning over Inhalable Caffeine Products
Dreaming of a swift caffeine jolt? Hold your breath, buddy. On March 8, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) penned a stern letter to AeroShot's creators, Breathable Foods. The subject of their ire? AeroShot, the trendy breathable caffeine inhaler that made its retail debut in January 2012.
The FDA wasn't impressed with AeroShot's claims. They argued that consumers couldn't inhale the product as suggested by the label. Additionally, the FDA questioned the safety of AeroShot for those under 18, despite the label warning only those under 12. The FDA also voiced concerns about combining AeroShot with alcohol, which the Breathable Foods website suggestively endorses. Breathable Foods was given 15 days to present safety research to the FDA.
Interestingly, as a dietary supplement, AeroShot didn't need the FDA's seal of approval before it hit the market. However, Senator Schumer urged the FDA to review the product's safety following a scathing House of Representatives address in December 2011, where he labeled AeroShot a potential “club drug.” The review focused on whether AeroShot was safe to use and if it fit the legal definition of a dietary supplement.
Weighing in at just 5 grams and sporting a citrus-kick of caffeine and B vitamins, AeroShot delivered a portable caffeine fix. Perfect for hitting the slopes, it was undoubtedly more manageable than juggling a coffee cup and poles. And unlike most energy drinks loaded with sugar and cream, AeroShot boasted a calorie-free profile.
However, while the product's name suggested a gasp-worthy inhalation experience, the body digests AeroShot's powder substance like any other drink, meaning the caffeine bypasses the brain. This revelation did little to quell skepticism regarding AeroShot's need and safety, as some critics questioned whether the world needed another artificial stimulant.
Dr. David Edwards, the Harvard-based professor behind AeroShot, claimed the product was safe. He argued that AeroShot was less dangerous than jittery energy drinks due to the absence of additives. However, users reported mixed results. Some found its flavor off-putting, while others appreciated its portable Starbucks-like convenience. I too, gave it a shot, but was left with an oddly flavored multivitamin stuck in my throat. In my case, I remained sleepy despite the caffeine boost.
Regardless of the FDA's verdict, there are plenty of alternative zero-calorie caffeine fixes. For instance, a smattering of cinnamon in your coffee or the conventional standbys, such as green tea or, dare I say it, a solid night's sleep.
In conclusion, while AeroShot faced scrutiny acknowledged concerns by the FDA, the product remains an option for those seeking a unique and portable caffeine boost. But remember, there's always a plethora of alternatives when it comes to satisfying your caffeine cravings without compromising your health.
The FDA's concerns about AeroShot extended to its combination with alcohol, a suggestion made on the Breathable Foods website. The trend of using AeroShot as a dietary supplement raised questions about its safety and necessity, as some saw it as yet another artificial stimulant. Despite the product's calorie-free profile, some users reported feeling no energy boost after using it, and others found its flavor unappealing. Despite these drawbacks, other nutrition news provides alternative zero-calorie caffeine sources, such as adding cinnamon to coffee or drinking green tea, which might be more health-friendly options.