Invercargill woman 'addicted' to Coca-Cola
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An Invercargill man says his partner, who died from an epileptic seizure in 2018, was addicted to Coca-Cola drinking up to two litres a day.
Coroner David Robinson has released his findings into the death of Amy Louise Thorpe, 34, who died on December 4, 2018.
She was found unresponsive at her Invercargill home.
Samples of blood and urine were taken and submitted to ESR, which found caffeine was present in the blood as well as nicotine.
Robinson's report says Thorpe was noted to be a heavy smoker, consuming about 80grams of tobacco a week.
Her partner advised police that she had a history of epilepsy, depression, anxiety and sleep apnoea. He said she suffered from seizures and her most recent was on December 1, 2018. But she was up to date with her medication.
Thorpe's partner described her as being "addicted to Coca-Cola, advising police that she consumed on average two litres a day. She also consumed "Mother" energy drinks, 500mls to one litre per day.
A friend, provided a statement to police and also commented on Thorpe's consumption of energy drinks, stating "Amy had more energy drinks a day than people have coffee. She enjoyed her V drinks and Coke".
A report from the medical practice says she had a raised body mass index and a history of gestational diabetes.
Coroner Robinson, in reviewing Thorpe's file noted some literature to the effect that high levels of caffeine in energy drinks had been associated with the onset of seizure activity in adults.
