Excessive caffeine in supplements may increase of stroke. A bodybuilder who appeared to be in good health and had no prior tobacco use or history of major medical problems suffered from an ischemic stroke (occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked). Prior to the stoke, the bodybuilder took one supplement (dose 2 capsules) containing MaHuang extract (20 mg ephedra alkaloids), 200 mg caffeine, 100 mg L-carnitine, and 200 μg chromium. A second supplement contained 6000 mg creatine monohydrate, 1000 mg taurine,100 mg inosine, and 5 mg coenzyme Q10 per scoop. Additionally, 40–60 mg ephedra alkaloids, 400–600 mg caffeine, and 6000 mg creatine monohydrate were taken daily for 6 weeks prior to having a stroke. (29)
