New Delhi: A case involving a 22-year-old bodybuilder who suffered a brain haemorrhage after taking a high-caffeine pre-workout supplement daily for 18 months has renewed concerns over the risks associated with stimulant-heavy fitness products.
According to neurosurgery resident Dr Dhrumitsingh Rao, the young man had no known heart condition or family history of related illness and worked out six days a week. He reportedly consumed two scoops of pre-workout containing around 300 mg of caffeine on an empty stomach every day for 18 months.
Sudden pain turned into a medical emergency
The man reportedly experienced a pounding heartbeat before beginning his workout and then developed severe pain behind his right eye. Soon afterwards, he was unable to properly use his left arm.
At hospital, his blood pressure was recorded at 210/130 mmHg. Scans showed a deep bleed in his brain. Dr Rao attributed the incident to a hypertensive crisis triggered by stimulants, resulting in a hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage.
The man survived after undergoing surgery but was left with continuing weakness in his left hand, according to the doctor’s account.
Doctors warn against treating supplements casually
Dr Rao said some pre-workout products contain high amounts of caffeine as well as other stimulants such as synephrine and yohimbine. He warned that combinations of stimulants could potentially place additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
The National Institutes of Health notes that moderate caffeine intake can enhance athletic performance for some adults, but excessive intake can cause serious health problems.
Importantly, the case was reported through a doctor’s social-media post and has not been independently verified by Hindustan Times. It should therefore not be interpreted as proof that pre-workout supplements directly cause brain haemorrhage in healthy people.
The episode nevertheless serves as a reminder that fitness supplements should not automatically be considered risk-free, particularly when products contain multiple stimulants or are consumed in high doses.