Energy Drinks Can Be Lethal

This is a summary of :

Medscape Medical News: “Energy Drinks Pose Serious Health Risks for Young People.” Pediatrics.2011; 127:511-528. 

 

The recommended US FDA limit of caffeine is 71mg per 12 fluid oz maximum. Energy drinks contain between 50mg-505mg per can or bottle, and get away with it because they are classified as nutritional supplements.  Additional caffeine is not included in the calculation, which comes from adhesives such as guarana, kola nut, yerba mate, and cocoa.

30-50% of teens and young adults drink energy drinks.  Of the 5,448 US caffeine overdoses 46% occured in those younger than 19.  Children should have no more than 2.5 mg/kg per day and adolescents should have no more than 100mg/day.

In other countries, energy drinks have been reported to have caused liver damage, kidney failure, respiratory disorders, agitation, confusion, seizures, psychotic conditions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle break down), tachycardia (fast heart beat), cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), hypertension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure and death.

Other ingredients in energy drinks are not well researched and have possible drug interactions, including in contacts with alcohol.

Caffeine in energy drinks may also interfere with bone mineralization during a critical period of skeletal development. 

 

***To prevent your need for caffeine: Sleep 7-9 hours per night, eat a balanced diet full of green leafy vegetables, drink water (at least half your weight in oz per day, more if you exercise or drink any caffeine) and exercise regularly!

 

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