Monday, October 29, 2012

Looking for a quick “pick-me-up?” You might want to think twice before reaching for a Monster Energy Drink



 

 October 29, 2012

If you are drinking a Monster energy drink while you are reading this post, it could be your last drink.  Fox News has recently reported that there are 5 deaths linked to this popular energy drink.  The deaths have been reported to be from heart attacks.  One survivor of a non-fatal heart attack has cited Monster energy drink as the source of his illness.  The FDA is reportedly investigating these occurrences, which go back as far as 2004.  The FDA is currently reporting that the reports don’t necessarily prove that the drinks caused the deaths or injuries.  However, people are beginning to take notice of what drinks they are consuming.

The story became public about the FDA’s search for the truth about the deaths when parents of a 14-year-old Hagerstown girl, filed a wrongful death suit in Riverside, California.  The girl passed away shortly after she drank two 24-ounce Monster energy drinks.   An autopsy performed on the girl showed the cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity.  This impeded her heart from pumping blood.  Prior to the consumption of the Monster energy drinks, the girl did suffer from an inherited disorder that can weaken blood vessels.  The girl’s parents state that, “it [Monster[ failed to warn about the risks of drinking it’s products.”

Monster Beverage Corp. refers to their energy drinks as “killer energy brew” and “the meanest energy supplement on the planet.”  They did not immediately respond to calls about the lawsuit until last week.  They stated they were, “unaware of any fatality anywhere that has been caused by its drinks.”  Monster Beverage Corp. currently puts labels on their drinks that warn that they are not recommended for children or those who have caffeine sensitivity.  Monster drinks popularity reached an all-time high last year, but has plummeted since the news of the FDA’s investigation.  The Associated Press has reported that the company’s shares have dropped 14.2% and now at about $45.73.  The FDA is continuing its investigation into the reported deaths and injuries.  They have subpoenaed energy drink makers, including Monster, as part of their state wide investigation.

Energy drinks contain caffeine, a diuretic.  The FDA currently puts a limit of caffeine in soda at 0.02 percent.  There is no such limit on energy drinks.  If you choose to consume these products, do so cautiously.   Be careful not to become dehydrated and risk negative effects.  Energy drinks contain between 2 and 3 times the amount of caffeine in coffee.  Studies have shown that students who consume moderate amounts of caffeine before participating in physical activity experience increased blood pressure.  Energy drinks are also loaded with sugar and other herbal stimulants.  Doctors instead recommend salted pretzels and orange slices with water to increase energy.

 

Adapted from:. The Racquette. “Dying for a buzz: energy drinks that kill.” October 26, 2012.

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