A recent report by the federal government contained startling information regarding injuries related to the consumption of energy drinks. The report revealed that the number of people seeking emergency room treatment after consuming such energy drinks had doubled over the past four years. The surge in ER visits is likely tied to a corresponding increase in popularity for the drinks, especially among young people.

Between 2007 and 2011, the government estimates that the number of ER visits related to the energy drinks increased from 10,000 to more than 20,000. The vast majority of these cases involved teens and young adults. The report does not clarify exactly what symptoms prompted the people to seek treatment, but it does label energy drinks a “rising public health problem.” The report says that consumption of such beverages can lead to insomnia, nervousness, headaches, fast heartbeats and even seizures in some rare instances.

Doctors that were surveyed in the report concurred that there has been an increase in visits related to energy drink consumption. Physicians say that they have seen an increase in patients suffering irregular heartbeats, anxiety and even heart attacks. Though 42% of such reports were found to involve a combination of energy drinks and either alcohol or other drugs, more than half of such visits were for energy drink consumption alone.

The problem is that many people do not understand that consuming such energy drinks, especially several in quick succession, can truly be dangerous. Someone who downs three such drinks in an hour has consumed the equivalent of more than 15 cups of coffee.

The recent report comes on the heels of news that the FDA is investigating deaths tied to various energy drinks. Last fall, it was reported that 18 deaths might be linked to consumption of energy drinks, including a 14-year-old girl who died after guzzling two cans of Monster Energy Drink. The FDA has said it would seriously consider the findings of the recent report and press manufacturers for more details as it begins to prepare a review of the overall safety of energy drinks and their main ingredients.

Though energy drinks make up a relatively small portion of the soft drink market (3.3 percent, at last count), they are a big growth business as soda sales continue to slip. In 2011, sales for energy drinks rose 17%, with major gains seen by the three biggest brands: Monster, Red Bull and Rockstar.

If you or someone you love has been injured, it is important that you speak with a Mississippi personal injury attorney who has the knowledge and skill to properly handle your civil claim. The attorneys at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton have years of experience and have successfully obtained compensation for our clients who have been injured by others’ carelessness. Call us today at (662) 536-5656 for a free consultation.

Source: “Emergency room visits after energy drinks on rise,” by The Associated Press, published at AJC.com.