Guarana Seed Extract
Guarana is a high-caffeine botanical. EFSA considers single caffeine doses up to 200 mg and daily doses up to 400 mg safe for adults, but data are insufficient to set a safe level for children and adolescents.
What it is
Extract from the seed of Paullinia cupana (guarana), a Brazilian plant containing 2-8% caffeine plus theobromine and tannins.
Source of caffeine for energy drinks, supplements, and flavoring.
Why it's flagged
- high caffeine content
- unsafe for children/adolescents
- cardiovascular and neurologic effects at high intake
- additive to other caffeine sources
What regulators actually say
"Guarana, Paullinia cupana H.B.K. - listed as GRAS source of essential oils/oleoresins/flavoring."
"For children and adolescents the information available is insufficient to base a safe level of caffeine intake."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Guarana is GRAS as a flavoring under 21 CFR 182.20.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted botanical; caffeine intake limits from EFSA opinion apply.
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