Medium Risk
Also known as:
Alani Nu Beverages and Pre-Workout Powder Bawls Guarana Zero Brazilian cocoa Bulk Supplements.com® Guarana Extract Powder Carlyle® Guarana Extract Capsules GNC® Herbal Guarana guaraná Guarana Antarctica Soda guarana seed extract guaranine MTD OPS® Ignite™ Natrol® Guarana Capsule Nutricost® Guarana Powder P. Cupana Paullinia cupana Source Naturals® Guarana Energizer Swanson® Guarana
Guarana originates from the seeds of the Paullinia cupana plant, which is cultivated in the Amazon Basin. The seeds are a red-orange color, grow in clusters, and are about the size of grapes. The seeds open when mature and have the appearance of cartoon-like eyes looking out at you from the pod. These black seeds are roasted and pulverized into a powder, which is then used in various bottled energy drinks, soft drinks, energy bars, and powdered supplements.
Due to its caffeine content, it is marketed to those who desire a caffeine-free boost, promising better focus, decreased fatigue and hunger, and extra energy.
The major active components of guarana are caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. The seeds contain a higher caffeine content (2-8%) than coffee beans (1-3%). Some studies suggest other health benefits, such as weight loss, pain relief, and help with relieving headaches, as well as certain eye conditions associated with older age.
Guarana is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods, and is generally considered safe by the FDA as a food additive. There are concerns about the overuse of guarana products due to their high caffeine concentration. The possible symptoms are difficulty sleeping, jitteriness, nausea, and heart palpitations. If taken in high doses, a person may experience seizures or an irregular heartbeat.
Children are much more susceptible to the effects of caffeine, so it is best to avoid caffeine consumption in any form for young children. Generally, healthy adults should limit their daily caffeine consumption to no more than 300-400 mg.
A relatively new trend is the use of guarana vape pens, which vaporize the extract of guarana for inhalation. There are no standardized concentrations of guarana for vape pens, and the products often contain added ingredients such as solvents and flavors, which can irritate the lungs. Because inhaled caffeine is absorbed rapidly, there is an elevated risk of adverse effects, such as nervousness, increased heart rate, and blood pressure.
Currently, there is limited data on vaping caffeine. Due to the increased absorption of caffeine and its additives, there may be harmful effects that have not yet been identified. Those with underlying health issues, such as heart disease or pregnancy, and teens should avoid vaping guarana products.
If you find someone has ingested a small amount of a guarana-containing product, do not panic. Wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.
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