There were 18 people who died as a result of energy drink consumption last fall. The number of people in the United States, who were given emergency medical treatment because of having energy drinks, has increased dramatically during the past few years. The popularity of energy drinks has also risen. More people from different walks of life are now regularly having energy drinks.
A government survey was recently taken. It showed that from 2007 to 2011, visits to a hospital's emergency department caused by having energy drinks doubled. The average age of most patients was between 18 and 39 years old. During this time, the number of patients who were 40 and older showed a significant increase.
Energy drinks have high levels of additives like sugars, caffeine, taurine and more. They have a greater level of caffeine that a regular cup of coffee. These drinks stimulate both the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Most individuals who use energy drinks don't know about the high number of additives in them. Doctors report patients have arrived in their emergency department after drinking as many as four energy drinks. This is equal to having fifteen cups of regular coffee.
People who have an excessive number of energy drinks will experience serious medical and behavioral consequences. Energy drinks are quickly turning into a serious public health issue. They are associated with health issues that include seizures, insomnia, heart problems, migraine headaches and more. Some have everything from irregular heartbeats to heart attacks. Using energy drinks combined with alcohol is a serious problem among college students.
Energy drinks are advertised as providing a positive impact on a person's energy level, and their ability to concentrate. Health professionals clearly state that any anticipated health benefits of energy drinks are a result of marketing, and not backed by any scientific evidence.
The FDA issued a statement after the study was released. The agency confirmed it will soon be conducting an extensive review of all energy drinks. The FDA will be looking closely at all of the effects of energy drinks on the public's health.
