Researchers Urge Warnings On Energy Drinks
(Undated) -- Energy drinks that can pack a knockout punch should have warning labels. Researchers at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, found some energy drinks have the equivalent of the caffeine found in 14 cans of cola. Scientist Roland Griffiths notes, quote, "the caffeine amounts are often unlabeled, and few include warnings about the potential health risks of caffeine intoxication." Caffeine intoxication is a syndrome with symptoms that include rapid heartbeat, tremors and death in rare cases. Without labeling, consumers don't know if they are getting a little or a lot of caffeine. Griffiths said having one of the drinks can be like drinking a serving of an alcoholic beverage without knowing if it's beer or scotch. Almost five and a half billion dollars worth of the drinks are sold yearly. Advertising for the beverages primarily targets teens and young adults. |