Tag: Excessive tonic water

The United States FDA limits the amount of quinine in tonic water to 83 parts per million, a much smaller concentration than therapeutic doses. However, for certain individuals, consuming too much or having a sensitivity to quinine can still lead to undesirable side effects, sparking the question, 'why is quinine in tonic bad?'

With its origins as a malaria preventative in the 1800s, tonic water's quinine content is now strictly regulated for safety, but excessive consumption can still lead to serious side effects. What happens when you drink too much tonic water with quinine, and at what point does its bitter ingredient become a health risk?