Guarana
Guarana is a concentrated source of caffeine. EFSA notes that single doses of caffeine up to 200 mg and daily doses up to 400 mg do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults, but children and pregnant women should limit intake.
What it is
Seed of Paullinia cupana, native to the Amazon, with caffeine content 2-4x that of coffee beans.
Stimulant ingredient in energy drinks, sodas, and supplements.
Why it's flagged
- high caffeine load
- cardiovascular risk in vulnerable populations
- interaction with medications
- not for children
What regulators actually say
"Single doses of caffeine up to 200 mg... do not raise safety concerns for the general adult population. Habitual caffeine consumption up to 400 mg per day does not raise safety concerns."
"Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products present a significant public health threat."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted in foods; FDA evaluating high-caffeine products.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; caffeine source subject to labeling under Reg. 1169/2011.
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