How Dangerous are Energy Drinks?

Monday, December 7, 2015

How Dangerous are Energy Drinks?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Energy drinks claim to give you that much needed boost and even offer things like extra vitamins, minerals, and health benefits. Unfortunately, what they tend to lack is proper warning labels. Energy drinks have recently been in the press more due to injuries and deaths associated with their use – but despite these instances, there are still manufacturers of these drinks that are not properly warning the public.

It is true that energy drinks often do not contain the same volume of caffeine as a drink from your local coffee shop, but it is not the caffeine that makes them dangerous – it is the sweeteners and excess products combined with the fact that they are easy to drink in high volume.

Known Dangers Associated with Energy Drinks

There are some known dangers associated with these energy drinks, including:

1. Cardiac Arrest – Individuals with underlying heart conditions could go into cardiac arrest simply from drinking too many energy drinks. Individuals should be aware of how their heart conditions can interact negatively with energy drinks before consuming them – and consult a physician before doing so. Cardiac events are also common in healthy teens simply due to their consuming more than the recommended daily serving.
2. Headaches and Migraines – Consuming too many energy drinks can lead to caffeine withdrawal symptoms, which include severe headaches and debilitating migraines.
3. Anxiety – Those with the genetic variations in their adenosine receptors may suffer from anxiety when consuming energy drinks or any caffeinated beverage.
4. Insomnia – Energy drinks are specifically designed to keep a person awake, and consumption of too many can actually lead to chronic sleeping issues – including insomnia.
5. Type 2 Diabetes – Some research has suggested that the high sugar content in energy drinks can eventually wear down the insulin producing cells of the pancreas and lead to Type 2 diabetes in some individuals.
6. Dangerous Interactions – Those taking prescription medications could suffer from dangerous interactions while consuming energy drinks.
7. High Blood Pressure – Caffeine can naturally elevate a person’s blood pressure level. For those with already elevated blood pressure, this could lead to serious health concerns, including an increased risk for stroke.
8. Niacin Overdose – Most energy drinks have a high concentration of Niacin or vitamin B3. When taken at therapeutic levels there is no danger, but when too much niacin is consumed a person could suffer from an overdose, which can cause dizziness, rapid heart rate, itching, vomiting, etc.

Lack of Proper Warning

Canned energy drinks do not contain the same health warnings as alcoholic beverages or cigarettes. That is because most energy drinks also contain herbal or plant-based supplements; therefore, they are allowed to label themselves as dietary substances instead of food. That also means that these products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Energy drinks do not have to reveal the caffeine content of their products either – which means individuals do not know how much caffeine they are actually consuming.

Injured by an Energy Drink?

The lack of proper warning labels for their unsafe concoctions can lead to serious injury. If you or someone you love was injured by an energy drink, contact the attorneys at Malman Law to explore your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call us at 888-836-5975 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.