Before you reach for a can of energy drink for your mid-afternoon boost, stop to read the frightening facts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently confirmed 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations attributed to 5-Hour Energy Shots.
Similarly, the Monster Energy Company is under current investigation for allegedly causing five deaths and one non-fatal heart attack, and is involved in a lawsuit by the parents of a 14-year old girl who died after drinking only two energy drinks. Given this information, it is prudent to carefully examine the effects of these beverages, marketed as ‘nutritional supplements,’ and also to seek other alternatives to provide energy throughout the day.
A statistics report by the U.S. Drug Abuse Warning Network compiled in 2011 shows that emergency room visits linked to energy drinks increased tenfold between 2005 and 2009. Approximately 70% of these cases involved teenagers aged 12 to 17. Anais Fournier of Maryland was one such case.
Over the course of two days, she drank two 24-ounce Monster Energy Drinks before she collapsed. She died six days later. Her parents are suing the company, claiming that the beverage killed their daughter and that marketing it to children and teenagers constitutes negligence. Each can of Monster contains about 240 mg of caffeine, more than twice the recommended limit for children and teenagers (100 mg as opposed to an adult dose of no more than 400 mg per day). Each 5-Hour Energy Shot contains 215 mg of caffeine.
It is proven that high doses of caffeine can cause insomnia, tremors, nervousness, and even heart arrhythmia and seizures. Additionally, Stephen Cherniske, in his book Caffeine Blues, writes, “careful research conducted by the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine shows that low to moderate caffeine intake (as little as one 14-ounce mug per day) can quickly produce withdrawal symptoms.” These effects may be intensified when in combination with other additives used in energy drinks, such as guarana and taurine.
In response to the numerous reports about the dangers contained within energy drinks, the FDA released the following statement: “it is important to note that, while those who voluntarily report an illness or injury … typically identify the product that they assume caused the injury or illness, FDA as a scientific public health agency must carefully investigate and evaluate all possible causes before deciding whether the product actually caused the medical problem.” This explains why products such as 5-Hour Energy Shots and Monster Energy Drink have yet to be recalled. 5-Hour Energy Shots manufacturer Living Essentials, LLC, who has received 92 injury and illness reports so far, states that it takes such reports “very seriously” and assures us that their product is safe for 
“hardworking adults who need an extra boost of energy.”
Instead of consuming these cans of fizzy potential death, consider trying the following delicious alternatives. Yerba Mate and ginseng are time-tested choices. You can also brew a pot of kombucha – a fermented tea that is easy to make yourself. Green tea is also a good choice to begin limiting your caffeine intake and filling your body with antioxidants instead of harmful artificial colors and flavors. The choice is yours, but remember the story of Anais Fournier, and be wary of the consequences.
– The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.marcussamuelsson.com/news/five-delicious-alternatives-to-coffee
