Man Dies Of Caffeine Overdose After Consuming Energy Mints

A British man died from a huge caffeine overdose after snacking on high-energy mints.

John Jackson, 40, reportedly didn't know that each Hero Instant Energy Mint contained 80 mg of caffeine — the same as a can of Red Bull.

The Birmingham painter and decorator bought a $6.40 tin of 12 tabs, which are sold alongside normal sweets and mints in shops across the country.

He was found dead in his apartment on May 2 by his former partner.

The Independent reports that 155 mg of caffeine -- almost twice the 79 mg level that has been known to previously cause death — was in his blood stream when he died.

Although a heavy drinker who had cirrhosis of the liver, pathologist Dr. Dragana Cvijan said it was the caffeine overdose that killed Jackson.


Coroner Robin Balmain ruled the death was accidental.

But he will now write to the Department of Health to "highlight the dangers of energy sweets."

"This is potentially a dangerous situation. I am as certain as I can be that Mr. Jackson did not know he was exposing himself to danger," he said.

Jackson's stepdaughter Rebecca Court is now calling for the mints to be banned.

"On the box it said one tablet equals one can of energy drink. It's unbelievable. They're classed in the same place as Polos and Extra Strong Mints. I'm scared to drink coffee now," she said.



Hero Energy, based in Birmingham, told the Independent that prominent warnings were displayed on all its packaging and shelves.

Directors Paul Hayes and Steve Hones also said in a statement that packs "advise no more than five be consumed in 24 hours."

It's not clear how many mints Jackson ate, but manufacturers said he'd have had to have consumed "over 300, which is staggering," to have that level of caffeine in his blood.



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