Energy Drinks

I don't think anyone really thinks energy drinks are "healthy."  I know many people who use them to adjust to shift work or stay awake on long drives.  I am not condoning this activity, but in moderation it probably won't kill you (unless the energy drink is the only thing keeping you alive on the long drive - then you should just pull over and take a nap).

However, many people probably have not thought about the differences in children and adults in terms of metabolism of drugs - and caffeine and other stimulants should be thought of like drugs.

Multiple stories have come out recently about deaths relating to energy drink use.  One fourteen year old girl, who did have a congenital heart condition, died as a result of caffeine overdose from two energy drinks.  Another teenage girl died of heart failure after consuming an energy drink instead of properly hydrating herself with water or an electrolyte replacement drink.

Now, researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity are recommending changes in regulations, suggesting that the sale of energy drinks be controlled like tobacco and alcohol.