Popular Energy Drinks May Pose Significant Health Risks

The influx of energy drinks on the U.S. market has demonstrated the extreme willingness of individuals to sacrifice their health for a temporary boost of adrenaline. Subsequently, concern has steadily increased over the amount of understudied and unregulated ingredients contained in energy drinks. Such ingredients have been linked to adverse health events in populations that consume them on a regular basis. Accordingly, several alternative options exist without the risk of future complications.

Europe first introduced a distinct class of drinks that were purposefully intended to mimic the effects that coffee had on an individual. Otherwise known as energy drinks, these coffee substitutes gave those who drank them a temporary, and sometimes necessary boost in energy. Once Red Bull was introduced to the U.S. market in 1997, the popularity of energy drinks grew exponentially. Following the release of Red Bull into interstate commerce, various beverage companies including Coca-Cola and Pepsi entered the market.

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several new energy drinks. They include 5 Hour Energy, KMX of Coca-Cola, 180 of Anheuser-Busch, Hansen’s Energy, and Adrenaline Rush of PepsiCo’s SoBe. Pepsi had earlier introduced AMP under the Mountain Dew brand and also Extreme Energy by Arizona Beverage Company was launched. However, Austria-based Red Bull remains the market leader according to market research statistics. The current U.S. domestic market may exceed $10 billion.

Growth of the current worldwide market for energy drinks is estimated at 17.8%. Major producers are focusing heavily on marketing, targeting the promotion of energizing conception, result-oriented marketing and product positioning and a greater push into developing markets.

Unfortunately, concern has steadily increased over the amount of understudied and unregulated ingredients contained in energy drinks. Such ingredients have been linked to adverse health events in populations that consume them on a regular basis. According to a study published in the medical journal of Pediatrics, “the known and unknown pharmacology of agents included in such drinks, combined with reports of toxicity, raises concern for potentially serious adverse effects in association with energy-drink use.”

According to data from the Pediatrics study, energy drinks are consumed by an estimated 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults. Frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioral disorders or those who take certain medications. Due to the severe nature of these complications, several companies have witnessed an influx of potential energy drink lawsuits.

As sales of energy drinks and heart rates spike simultaneously, it’s a good time to question the current trends and find healthier ways to power up. In response to the influx of potentially dangerous side effects, researchers have discovered several options that offer healthier alternatives to energy drinks.

Do I Have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in energy drink lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been injured by an energy drink, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.