Energy drinks are a very popular product on the market in Louisiana. While the FDA has cleared them for sale, there has been proof these beverages pose a health risk. Consumers should educate themselves about the potential risks of consuming these drinks to avoid serious side effects or health ramifications.
CNN reported that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, a substance know to increase the heart rate and disrupt sleep. It is possible to overdose on caffeine and send the heart into a serious state of malfunctioning. In fact, due to the caffeine, energy drinks have been something the American Academy of Pediatrics is outspoken about. This organization takes a stand that these beverages should not be consumed by children. The opinion is the risks for heart damage or other serious side effects are rather high in children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration closely watches products on the market to ensure they are safe for consumers and to help companies avoid product liability issues. The FDA has received plenty of reports of adverse side effects from people consuming energy drinks. However, there has not been enough evidence to pull them from the shelves. These products are fairly new and require more study to determine their risks. In addition, many of the natural ingredients included in these drinks are things not regulated by the FDA, so it is difficult for the agency to control the sale of them.
There is no definitive proof that energy drinks harm people. However, it is known that too much caffeine can hurt a person. With that in mind, consumers are advised to drink energy drinks in moderation.