FDA Blames Energy Drinks for Hospitalizations

The FDA has publicly cited three energy drink manufacturers in adverse events reports for negative effects, hospitalizations, and even deaths. Rockstar Inc. is included in some 13 adverse event reports for things like increased heart rate, abdominal pain, and nausea. The reports, dating back to 2006, include four hospitalizations.

Monster Beverage Corp. finds itself in 40 reports, including 20 hospitalizations and 5 deaths. Even worse is Living Essentials LLC’s citation in 92 reports, including 33 hospitalizations and 13 deaths from 2004 to present. No word yet on other energy drinks like like Red Bull and AMP Energy. The FDA says they are working on reports for the public as quickly as they can.

Energy drink consumption is not a new subject of concern; there have been previous allegations that Monster and 5-Hour Energy had been involved in hospitalizations and deaths, and some lawmakers are seeking reform on caffeine limits in these types of beverages.

Sen. Dick Durban of Illinois and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut have requested a meeting with the FDA’s Margaret Hamburg to discuss safety concerns of energy drinks.

“Over the past year, there has been alarming evidence that energy drinks pose a potential threat to the public’s health,” they wrote. “It is necessary for the FDA to take immediate action to address a serious public health issue.”

Currently, energy drinks are considered dietary supplements and are therefore not bound by the FDA’s guidelines for caffeine in sodas. Whereas soda is limited to 71 milligrams per 12 ounces, energy drinks can sometimes have as much as 500 milligrams per serving.