Doctors warn against popular chocolate energy powder

Coco Loko, a chocolate powder infused with energy-boosting ingredients, is gaining in popularity in the U.S. but health officials believe it could be a danger for kids.

The product, which is marketed to be snorted, is described as infused raw cacao with a special energy blend. The ingredients are the same as those found in many popular energy drinks.

“The energy drinks in excess qualities are unsafe,” said Dr. Chris Sampson with University Hospital. “I think in moderation they have been proven to not be harmful. But with this product, nobody has tested it and has no idea whether its effect has health benefits or if it could be detrimental to them.”

The website says the product is for adults 18 years and older but lawmakers are considered the chocolate base will draw children to the product, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

“To my knowledge it has not been approved by the FDA and there have been no research studies or any type of investigations looking into it whether the safety of it or the effects on human beings,”

The company’s website claims Coco Loko gives users an endorphin rush, similar to a “runner’s’ high” or the feeling after exercise. It also says the product will provide a serotonin rush that “will produce an elevated mood and a state of euphoria similar to ecstasy.”

Users could also experience euphoric energy according to the product description.

“Raw cacao will give you a steady rush of euphoric energy and motivation that is great for party goers to dance the night away without a crash.”

The site also claims the cacao will give the user a calm focus so they are able to accomplish many tasks at once.

“The cocoa bean itself is a stimulant that contains caffeine,” Sampson said. “But with this product you have an unknown amount of caffeine that you may be ingesting on top of the other products that are contained in it.”

Health professionals also warn against snorting the product as it’s marketed.

“I would say it’s dangerous to snort anything that hasn’t ever been tested in research or on human subjects,” Sampson said. “There are a few effects it could cause. One could be it’s just an irritant to the nose which could cause pain or burning. It could irritate the sinuses which could lead to sinusitis or an infection of the sinuses. Potentially by snorting it too, you could aspirate it or get it into your lungs which could also then cause harmful effects as well [as an] irritant to the lungs or in the worst case even pneumonia.”

U.S. lawmakers are calling for the FDA to look into the product and it’s safety risks.

“This suspect product has no clear health value” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement seen by AP. “I can’t think of a single parent who thinks it is a good idea for their children to be snorting over-the-counter stimulants up their noses.”