Energy Drink Concerns
Are energy drinks a source of health concerns for your family? Perhaps it should be. Recently, grieving family members have filed suit against Monster Energy Drinks alleging the deaths of their teens were caused by a toxic amount of caffeine in the beverage. In the past 5 years, there have been 6 reported deaths that allege Monster's beverage is the cause.
An estimated 13,000+ youths aged 18-25 are admitted to the emergency room every year due to concerns over energy drinks. Admittedly, many of these are also youths who are on drugs and alcohol. These youths commonly experience vomiting, chest pains, and heart attacks.
Calls for Caffeine Caps
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has responded to these reports by calling for an FDA cap on permissable caffeine levels in energy drinks. Because energy drinks are sold as dietary supplements, they go unregulated by the FDA. Compared to the 71 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces FDA imposed limit on sodas, energy drinks can have as much as 160 milligrams to 500 milligrams a serving.
Caffeine is a stimulant and if excessive caffeine is ingested, a person can experience mild to severe reactions, including heart attacks and death. Frequently, the dietary supplements that people take to lose weight come under fire because of toxic amounts of caffeine. If too much caffeine is ingested, a person can overdose on caffeine, burn a hole in their heart, experience liver problems, and die.
The case against Monster has been filed in Riverside, CA. As the case develops, there's likely to be wide ranging consequences that could shape the future of unregulated dietary aids.
