ER Visits Due to Energy Drinks Reportedly on the Rise
New research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reportedly indicates that the number of emergency room (ER) visits involving energy drinks has doubled nationwide—from about 10,000 to more than 20,000—from 2007 to 2011. The statistics were gathered through the Drug Abuse Warning Network.
“Consumption of energy drinks is a rising public health problem because
medical and behavioral problems can result from excessive caffeine intake,”
according to the report. “A growing body of scientific evidence documents
harmful health effects of energy drinks, particularly for children, adolescents
and young adults.” Among other things, the report also indicated that people
ages 18 to 25 accounted for the largest group of ER patients, and men
accounted for about two-thirds of those treated.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reportedly considering the findings in its broad review of the safety of energy drinks this spring. See The DAWN Report: Update on Emergency Department Visits Involving Energy Drinks: A Continuing Public Health Concern, January 10, 2013; Associated Press, January 16, 2013.
