Caffeine-laced Energy Drinks Can Be Dangerous

November 5th, 2006

Over 500 new energy drinks, similar to industry-leader Red Bull, entered the worldwide market this year. In the U.S. alone, about 7.6 million teens – about one in three adolescents – admit to consuming energy drinks. Most brand names are advertised to attract males in their twenties.

Some young people report downing several cans in a row to get high. They run the risk of getting hooked on an unhealthy jolt-and-crash cycle. Numerous poison centers report getting calls from young people who became sick from too much caffeine. Undesirable side effects can include heart palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), or numbness and tingling in hands and feet.

The most alarming new trend is mixing caffeine with alcohol in new “energy beers.” Some bartenders mix Red Bull and vodka for their customers who request a Friday Flattener. A high potential exists for accidents and alcohol poisoning from consuming these types of beverages. Studies of college students show that may not feel as drunk as they actually were.

Other dangerous combinations are alertness pills such as NoDoz and energy drinks, sometimes mixed with alcohol or other drugs. A trip to the hospital emergency department may result.

Consumers need to remember that caffeine is a drug and should be used with caution. Although energy drinks are in smaller cans than Coke, they contain two to four times the amount of caffeine than the 12-ounce Coke. Even more dangerous, some energy drinks are now being produced in ever larger sizes – up to 24 ounces.

These energy drinks are the equivalent of Starbuck for kids. Loaded with caffeine, they give you essentially a legal form of speed – but not without health risks.

Source:  CNN.com 

Entry Filed under: General