WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of 13 deaths of people who took so-called "energy shots" marketed as 5-Hour Energy.
The agency says it has received 92 reports about the product, including 33 hospitalizations and 13 deaths. In a statement, FDA officials say they will take action if they can link the deaths to consumption of the energy drink. Such action could include forcing the company to take the drinks, often found at convenience store checkout counters, off the market.
The FDA cautions consumers that products labeled "energy shots" and "energy drinks" are not alternatives to sleep and that anyone thinking about taking them should consult with a health care provider. The New York Times first reported that 13 deaths were linked to 5-Hour Energy.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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YAHOO.COM - You know those little vials of who-knows-what that TV bills as a healthier alternative to energy drinks. Turns out they might make you die. Or to be more specific, the flavored energy shot "has been mentioned in some 90 filings with the F.D.A., including more than 30 that involved serious or life-threatening injuries like heart attacks, convulsions and, in one case, a spontaneous abortion," according to a New York Times investigation.
Don't worry, 5-Hour Energy fans, Monster Energy drink is a culprit, too. Following a review of FDA records, The Times found that 5-Hour Energy was implicated in at least 13 deaths over the last four years, while Monster was cited in five deaths in a review last month. Both the paper and the FDA are careful to point out that correlation does not equal causation in these horrifying examples of pick-me-ups gone wrong. Nevertheless, we're pretty sure coffee will remain our stimulant of choice for the foreseeable future. click here to read more
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