ER Visits Due To Energy Drinks Consumption Doubles
A recent survey has revealed that emergency room visits due to the consumption of energy drinks has more than doubled between the years of 2007 to 2011 from under 10,000 to over 20,000. This is clearly due to the increase in popularity of the drinks in the last few years, especially among those between the ages of 18 and 25.
According to the NY Times:
“Consumption of energy drinks is a rising public health problem because medical and behavioral problems can result from excessive caffeine intake. A growing body of scientific evidence documents harmful health effects of energy drinks, particularly for children, adolescents and young adults.”
Over consumption of these drinks has proven fatal to those with a weak heart or coronary disease. Many of the issues that arise from drinking these drinks are from the combination of these beverages with alcohol. 42% of these hospitalized cases involve the energy drink being consumed along with alcohol or other drug stimulants.
On average, one of these energy drinks contains about the same amount of caffeine as 5 cups of coffee. However, the American Beverage Association criticize the study:
“This report does not share information about the overall health of those who may have consumed energy drinks, or what symptoms brought them to the ER in the first place. There is no basis by which to understand the overall caffeine intake of any of these individuals — from all sources.”
The FDA is currently conducting research on the “potential safety issues” associated with these highly caffeinated beverages.
Paul Hudson | Elite.
