Energy Drink Lawsuits – More Than Just a Beverage
Despite the number of energy drinks hospital admissions in the United States each year, teenagers and young adults are still the primary targets of marketing by various energy beverage manufacturers. In fact, the energy drinks have even been labeled as “gateway” drugs that can lead to serious health consequences.
With its reputation as a “fad” and an unhealthy beverage, energy drinks have now become a common target of both health advocates and lawsuits. Energy drink lawsuits, however, are on the increase as consumers report heart problems caused by caffeine overload and other potentially harmful ingredients, including DMAA, dimethylamylamine or the chemical ethylenediamine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of caffeine, which is found in most energy drinks. However, it does not ban other ingredients such as ephedrine and guarana, which contain stimulants similar to caffeine, but are considered safer when ingested in moderation. Many of the health claims for energy drinks are based on scientific studies involving lab animals. Other claims are based on extrapolations from human studies that involve extremely small sample sizes.
According to research cited in a number of studies, energy drinks have been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as other health issues, like hyperactivity and depression. Studies also show that children and teenagers who consume these drinks often have an underlying problem with mental alertness, a trait known as executive functioning. In fact, one study showed that when parents of young children who consume energy drinks provide their children with the recommended daily amount of caffeine, they usually experience improvements in those traits. Many teens who are subjected to energy drinks do not seem to exhibit any adverse effects on their behavior or mental alertness, and many do not display symptoms of anxiety or depression.
However, while many teens and young adults seem to be unaffected by these drinks, energy drinks do cause some potential side effects for older people, especially men. Among the known side effects are liver damage, digestive problems and memory loss. In addition, energy drinks are sometimes used incorrectly as a cure-all solution for everything from obesity to fatigue. These drinks, while helping you feel better, can actually worsen certain health conditions, according to research.
Some energy drinks can interfere with the absorption of iron and calcium in the bloodstream. Many of the popular energy drinks contain stimulants that can deplete these important minerals, leaving older individuals without the nutrients that help them live healthy lives. Ingestion of these supplements can also increase the likelihood of kidney stones and other medical conditions, as can consume energy drinks.
Energy drinks are also marketed as a solution for weight loss, but studies have shown that the products contain little, if any, calories. Most energy drinks are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, an ingredient that has the same high-calorie characteristics as regular sugar. This causes an increase in blood sugar levels, which can make it difficult for diabetics and those suffering from other conditions to maintain proper blood sugar levels.
Energy drinks can also cause dehydration and hypoglycemia, both of which can lead to dangerously low levels of fluids. Because of the potential health risks associated with drinking too much energy drinks, more consumers are choosing to avoid the beverages altogether, or at least limit their consumption while still maintaining good health. While there is no clear answer as to whether or not energy drinks are dangerous, consumers should consider all the options available to reduce the chance of harmful side effects.
There are a number of energy drinks on the market today, including: Monster Energy, Caffeine Free, Power Punch, Rock Bottom and Power Drink, among others. Each product contains one or more ingredients that could potentially harm a person’s health.
An energy drink is a great choice for someone looking to improve the energy and mental alertness of themselves and those around them. However, if energy drinks are taken in excess, they can actually make it more difficult to lose weight and keep off it. As most energy drinks contain caffeine, they can make the person feel jittery and nervous. This can lead to the development of headaches, restlessness, and trouble focusing.
Energy drinks can also interfere with the absorption of calcium and iron, the two nutrients that are essential for healthy bones and teeth. The high levels of caffeine and sugar in energy drinks can also cause heartburn and nausea. If the energy drink is consumed in large amounts, they can also make it difficult for a person to lose weight. As a result, many people are turning to alternative weight loss supplements, including green tea, which can provide the same benefits, but without the potential dangers of energy drink side effects.