Update: Energy Drinks Worse for your Heart than Caffeine Alone, Study Finds
April 27, 2017 – A new study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) has linked the side effects of energy drinks to an increased risk for heart problems beyond those seen with caffeine alone. The researchers suspect that the “proprietary blend” of ingredients in commercial energy drinks may prolong caffeine’s activity in the body, prevent it from being excreted, or that these substances “may have activity of their own above and beyond caffeine.”
What’s the Problem?
Manufactured by Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX), Redline is marketed as a workout aide and fat burner. The beverage’s packaging warns only to drink half a bottle at a time; however, many consumers have failed to either read or follow the warning, and have ended up in the hospital because of Redline. Considered by Caffeine Informer to be “quite possibly the most powerful energy drink ever,” Redline Energy has a history of sending people to emergency rooms.
Class Action Alleges Redline “Unfit for Human Consumption”
In March 2015, VPX reached a settlement with 2 people who claim they were injured by Redline Energy Drink, according to Law360. Plaintiff Adam Mirabella claimed that Redline is “unfit for human consumption” after allegedly experiencing chest pain, lost sensation in his hands and extreme nausea requiring hospitalization because of Redline. The case was settled for $5.49 after being denied class action certification.
Caffeine Overdose Symptoms
According to the New York Times, symptoms of a caffeine overdose may include:
- Breathing trouble
- Changes in alertness
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Increased thirst
- Rapid / irregular heartbeat
- Muscle twitching
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
Study Finds Link Between Energy Drinks and Teen Brain Injury
Teenagers who reported a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the past year were 7x more likely to have consumed at least 5 energy drinks in the past week than those without a history of TBI, according to a study published September 16 in the journal PLOS ONE. Researchers also found that teens who reported suffering a brain injury within the past year were at least twice as likely to have consumed energy drinks mixed with alcohol than teens who reported sustaining a TBI more than a year previously. Click here to learn more.
The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Energy Drinks
A study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition suggests that the potential negative consequences of combining alcoholic beverages with energy drinks aren’t just a personal risk, but a public one.
“When people mix energy drinks with alcohol, people drink more than they would if they had just consumed alcohol, which is associated with a cascade of problems,” says Cecile Marczinski, associate professor of psychology at Northern Kentucky University and lead author of the study.
The increased likelihood of engaging in risky behavior — particularly drinking and driving — is a major public health concern, according to Marczinski. The caffeine jolt in energy drinks makes a drinker feel more balanced than their level of inebriation would suggest, leading some people to believe they’re not actually drunk and capable of driving.
Other public health concerns stemming from the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks include adolescent brain damage, more emergency department visits and increased hospitalizations, according to Marczinski.
Army Issues Warning on Energy Drink Side Effects
January 5, 2017 – The U.S. military is warning troops not to consume too many energy drinks, saying it could do “some serious harm to your body.” A post on the pentagon’s official science blog last week details the health risks of energy drinks, citing a study which found that soldiers were more likely to fall asleep on duty if they consumed multiple beverages a day.
Redline Energy Linked to Stroke in Alabama Man
November 29, 2016 – Doctors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have documented a case of stroke linked to Redline Energy Drink. The patient, a 57-year-old man with a history of high blood pressure, reported consuming an 8 oz. bottle of Redline about 15 minutes before suffering a brain bleed that caused tingling and shakiness in his arms and legs.
Just 1 Energy Drink Per Day May Boost Heart Disease Risk, Study Shows
November 8 – Drinking one 16-ounce energy drink boosts blood pressure and stress hormone responses in young, healthy adults, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2015. These changes could conceivably trigger new cardiovascular events. Click here to learn more.
Do I Have a Redline Energy Drink Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in energy drink lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new side effects cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one was injured after drinking an energy beverage, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our lawyers can help.