Mann was hospitalized after mistaking the NOS Octane Booster Racing formula for an energy drink

Mann was hospitalized after mistaking the NOS Octane Booster Racing formula for an energy drink

A fascinating medical case report has brought to light a case where a man mistook a large bottle of NOS Octane Booster for a regular energy drink and consumed it.

The man in question, a 54-year-old resident of Seattle, Washington, was rushed to the emergency room after suffering from seizures and exhibiting severe agitation. Normally these symptoms would require a comprehensive examination to determine the cause, but in this particular case the source of his discomfort was obvious: a bottle of NOS Octane Booster Racing Formula.

“His partner reported that he consumed the substance under the false impression that it was an energy drink,” the team explained in its report.

In addition to pointing out the uncanny taste similarity between energy drinks and the octane booster, which prevented the man from realizing his mistake until the seizures began, it was obvious that immediate medical attention was needed. The “drink,” traditionally used by racing and agricultural vehicles for its anti-knock properties, contains methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT), a compound that has been linked to lung toxicity, seizures, and kidney and liver toxicity in animal studies.

Prior to this incident, no cases of human consumption of MMT had been reported.

"Manganese can cause irreversible Parkinson's symptoms due to oxidative damage to basal ganglia mitochondria. There is less knowledge about acute manganese toxicity, but neither of the two reported cases of acute manganese poisoning in humans resulted in seizures or neurotoxicity," the team explained. “MMT or its metabolic derivatives have been suggested to cause neurotoxicity in animal studies.”

Instead of achieving the promised improvement in performance, the man continued to suffer seizures and had to be sedated and intubated. After a period of four days and several more seizures, he was finally extubated.

“This case highlights the importance of careful labeling of consumer products,” the team emphasized in their study. “Household products often contribute to accidental poisonings, especially in children.” This incident shows how similarities in packaging between harmful and harmless items, or between food and non-food items, can lead to misinterpretations.”

Although this incident occurred in 2020, the "drink" the man consumed bore a striking resemblance to a 2015 NOS bottle. The design of the booster bottle is similar to the 2015 version of the NOS energy drink thanks to the shared branding.

“NOS was the first automotive performance product to include a consumable food product bearing its name and logo – NOS Energy Drink,” explains parent company Holley Performance Products on its website.

The FDA MedWatch program was notified of the case. Fortunately, after a day of confusion and dizziness, the man was allowed to go home and suffered no further medical complications, aside from an understandably increased skepticism towards motor oil-like drinks.

The case was revealed in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

As a reminder, it is always important to carefully read the labels of the products you consume, especially if they are similar to other products you use or take regularly. By exercising caution, serious health problems such as those described in this report can be prevented. Remember that not everything that seems consumable is safe to consume.

Public awareness can play a crucial role in preventing such mishaps. Consumers should not only rely on the external appearance of the product, but also read the product description and warnings. Manufacturers, on the other hand, should ensure that their product design and packaging do not mislead consumers, especially if their products could be potentially harmful if consumed.

In addition to reading labels, it is important to properly store potentially hazardous substances. Many products that are toxic if swallowed, such as motor oil or cleaning products, should be stored separately from food and drink to prevent mix-ups.

Finally, the importance of seeking medical attention quickly in the event of accidental ingestion cannot be overemphasized. Acting quickly can prevent further health complications, as shown in this case. If you or someone else ingests a potentially toxic substance, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember to stay vigilant and informed about the products you bring into your home. This can not only ensure your safety, but also protect your loved ones and visitors from possible dangers.

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