The Facts

FACT 1

Energy drinks do not meet the FDA's guidelines for caffeinated beverages. FDA guidelines state that drinks containing caffeine contain no more than 65 milligrams per 12 ounces. Most energy drinks have 50-505 milligrams of caffeine in them.

FACT 2

Energy drinks are addicting and may cause a variety of negative health problems.

FACT 3

The energy drink industry makes about $5.4 billion a year.

FACT 4

Energy drinks, by law, are not required to have ingredient or warning labels.

FACT 5

Energy drinks cause low birth weight in babies and an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.

FACT 6

Anyone can make an energy drink and sell it.

FACT 7

Many other countries require warning labels on energy drinks, however the U.S. does not.

FACT 8

Energy drinks are addictive and are harmful to children.

FACT 9

The complete effects of the ingredients in energy drinks are unknown.

FACT 10

Energy drinks may cause seizures.

Introduction

Caffeine is the most widely used and easily available stimulant in the world. Many people, especially Americans, use caffeine as a way to get more done, have more fun, and look cool while doing it. In fact, energy drinks are quickly becoming the most popular way of getting a daily 'buzz.' The energy drink industry makes a whopping $50.4 billion a year by feeding on American's 'current lack of energy.' But why is caffeine such a craze you ask? Easy: because it's quick, cheap, and addicting.

Some health professionals have compared caffeine to alcohol and nicotine in regard to addictiveness. The Food and Drug Administration has given guidelines on a what amounts of caffeine are safe to ingest. Their recommendation is that caffeinated beverages contain no more than 65 milligrams per 12 ounces of beverage. However, most energy drinks greatly exceed that limit with the caffeine content ranging from 50-550 milligrams! Most soda products only contain about 30-45 milligrams of caffeine. Is this safe?? (this website has some interesting comparisons)
The answer is no. High amounts of caffeine have some very negative health impacts. Some of these include:

Stroke
Seizures
Acute Mania
Caffeine Intoxication
Caffeine Addiction
Anxiety
Restlessness
Tachycardia
Tremors
Mood Disorders
DEATH

The purpose of this blog is to educate others about the effects and consequences of caffeine. I think it is fair to say that the energy drink industry can be compared to the tobacco industry because of the way they do their business. Not only do they not label their drinks properly so consumers know what they are drinking, but they don't put any warning labels on their products. We need to take a serious look at the effects of high amounts of caffeine so we can understand what it does, and be able to warn consumers about its dangers.