Researchers performed the study on E. coli bacteria that had been genetically modified to produce a human liver enzyme that breaks down the pain killing chemical acetaminophen. (there's that genetically modified term again!) A toxic byproduct of this enzyme's activity is what leads to liver damage in cases of paracetamol overdose.
When the scientists expose the bacteria to a large combined dose of caffeine and paracetamol, production of the toxic byproduct tripled. Meaning, three times the risk of permanent liver damage.
According to British health expert Dr. Simon Thomas of the University of Newcastle, paracetamol is the culprit in 40 percents of drug overdoses in the United Kingdom, leading to 100 deaths or liver transplants yearly. Thomas said that it would be hasty to draw too many conclusions about the human liver from a study conducted on bacteria. "There are a million miles between E. coli and humans in terms of how paracetamol and caffeine are metabolized," he said.
The researchers noted that the doses they used in the study were enormous, and that there is as yet no evidence what dose would be required to be dangerous to humans. Because of this uncertainty, however, they advised caution in mixing the two drugs. Oh yes, caffeine is a drug.
Natural News source
Beyond Organic Healthy Food
We all need to be vigilant of what foods and drugs (both prescription and over the counter) are taken together because some don't play nice together. And if your liver doesn't function well, you're in big trouble. Great post Robin.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what this means for "headache" formulas such as Excedrin which contain acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?
ReplyDelete