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Youth rider in Ireland hospitalised after taking caffeine supplements

Cycling Ireland issues health warning aimed at younger riders

One Irish youth cyclist was hospitalised and another needed medical attention after they both suffered adverse reactions to caffeine supplements. The incidents took place on consecutive days and Cycling Ireland has been moved to issue a health warning about the dangers of such products for young riders.

The incidents involved U14 and U16 riders and while both made full recoveries, an anonymous witness told the Irish Examiner that it had been “very scary” to see. They described laboured breathing and the cyclists wobbling on their bikes.

“Many parents had not realised the dangers of these for young cyclists. They are commonly used by kids today. Everyone is 100 per cent fine now but it was very scary seeing what I’ve seen.”

While caffeine is not a banned substance, energy gels and other supplements containing caffeine will often carry warnings that they are unsuitable for riders under the age of 16.

A statement on the Cycling Ireland website said that caffeine supplements should not be used by riders under the age of 18, and added that they also shouldn’t be included as part of any prize for youth or junior cyclists by race promoters.

“Following recent serious incidents Cycling Ireland would like to highlight the risks of inappropriate consumption of caffeinated substances by youth and junior cyclists.

“Caffeine is widely used by the majority of the adult population in various foods and drinks, along with being available in a wide range of sports gels, drinks, powders and in over the counter tablets or capsules.

“While it can be effective in enhancing sports performance in trained athletes at moderate doses, ‘Caffeine Supplementation should not be used as an ergogenic aid in athletes under the age of 18’ according to the Institute of Sport.

“While there are a range of performance benefits for adult athletes across many sports in caffeine consumption, there are very serious concerns that are particularly relevant in relation to younger athletes, such as an increased heart rate, an alteration of fine motor control and over-arousal which can have a negative impact on race preparation, recovery and sleep.”

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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8 comments

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alansmurphy | 8 years ago
2 likes

Step, BBB is nearer to the infantile nature of my post.

 

But yes, on a serious note, not clever. And to be seeking this kind of an advantage at such an age is madness, just ride lads!

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step83 replied to alansmurphy | 8 years ago
0 likes

alansmurphy wrote:

Step, BBB is nearer to the infantile nature of my post.

 

But yes, on a serious note, not clever. And to be seeking this kind of an advantage at such an age is madness, just ride lads!

 

Oops! sorry sometimes that kind of things a little harder to spot online, speaking of ill advised things to consume during rides I can whole heartly advise never stop for a pint mid ride!

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zanf | 8 years ago
0 likes

Reminds me of this story

Quote:

A teenager was taken to hospital after overdosing on espresso coffee.

Jasmine Willis, 17, developed a fever and began hyperventilating after drinking seven double espressos while working at her family's sandwich shop.

The student, of Stanley, County Durham, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where doctors confirmed she had overdosed on caffeine.

"My nerves were all over the place. I was drenched. I was burning up and hyperventilating. I was having palpitations, my heart was beating so fast and I thought I was going into shock. I did not realise this could happen to you and I only hope other people learn from my mistake."

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tritecommentbot | 8 years ago
2 likes

Yeah no tolerance at that age.

 

Probably have the same reaction seeing the Littlewood's bra section for the first time.

 

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alansmurphy | 8 years ago
3 likes

People need to wake up to the dangers of caffeine...

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BBB replied to alansmurphy | 8 years ago
0 likes

alansmurphy wrote:

People need to wake up to the dangers of caffeine...

Avatar
step83 replied to alansmurphy | 8 years ago
0 likes

alansmurphy wrote:

People need to wake up to the dangers of caffeine...

 

 

Only when its relied on as a performance enhancer, as part of a balanced intake (mid ride coffee) it works.

Under 16's should not be able to get hold of things like caffiene based energy drinks, gels etc in my opinion. In fact if I'm not mistaken isnt there some kind of ban on under 16's being able to buy energy drinks?

Either way this proves what happens an least no one ended up injured as a result. I'm sure the riders involved, teams an familes will be watching rather more intently on what they have.

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brooksby replied to alansmurphy | 8 years ago
0 likes

alansmurphy wrote:

People need to wake up to the dangers of caffeine...

Life moves pretty fast when you're Ryan Reynolds...  (seven espressos later...)

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