Caffeine Detector For Beverages Could Help Prevent Dangerous Overdoses

With the introduction of new caffeine-rich beverages and foods reaching flood stage, the risk of caffeine overdosing has increased as well. Caffeine is normally well tolerated, but in excessive doses it can lead to insomnia, hallucinations, vitamin deficiency, several types of cancer, and even death. Now U.S. scientists report progress in developing a rapid, in-home test to detect even low levels in beverages. An enzyme called caffeine dehydrogenase can detect caffeine in a variety of drinks – with the exception of teas – in one minute, in concentrations as low as 1 to 5 parts per million.