5-Hour Energy Cited in a Bunch of Deaths

By Laura Beck | November 16, 2012 | 2:15am

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Well, everyone’s favorite health supplement (that’s sold on Walgreen’s endcaps) is going through a rough patch. The Food and Drug Administration has received claims that the pint-sized sports (?) drink — which includes as much caffeine as two cups of coffee — may have led to 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations over the past four years. The federal government is now investigating the FDA’s claims.

“If someone is to use multiple cans, now is when we start to see some of the side effects,” Dr. Sean Patrick Nord, USC Director of the Section of Toxicology, told ABC News. “You’re getting astronomical amounts, 30 to 40 cups of coffee.”

The recent FDA filings mark the second time in a month the administration has confirmed it is investigating claims that energy drinks are causing fatal reactions. In October, Monster energy, another popular drink that contains even more caffeine, was allegedly linked to five deaths.

For their part, 5-hour Energy released a statement saying the product is intended “intended for busy adults.” The company says its compact product contains “about as much caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee.”

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According to ABC News, “experts say the fatal dose of caffeine for an adult would be almost impossible to drink – actually 50 to 60 times of what is contained in an energy drink.” So, what’s the deal? Who are the victims, are they people with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly? Or is drinking chemically-enhanced super-caffeine a poor idea for all? All I know is, I’m burning all the coffee beans in my house (AWAY DEVIL!) and just drinking a nice Peppermint tea blend when I need a boost.