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Showing posts from June, 2019

Energy Drinks: Food, Dietary Supplement, or Drug?

        Recently, energy drinks/products have enjoyed increased popularity. Although commonly viewed as beverages or food products by consumers, the primary ingredient, caffeine, is considered both a food additive and a drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1 The caffeine content in a typical 5 ounce cup of coffee ranges from 60 to 100 mg.1 In energy products, the caffeine content varies greatly, from 47 mg to 80 mg per 8 ounces to as high as 207 mg per 2 ounces.2 Some of the reported adverse effects associated with energy drinks are known reactions to caffeine (eg, anxiety, nausea). However, the role of co-ingredients as risk factors or confounders has not been established. In the November 2012, the FDA announced an ongoing investigation based on recent reports of significant injury or death associated with products marketed as “energy drinks.”3 Summarized data from voluntary reports received by the FDA from January 1, 2004 through October 23, 2012 revealed tha