Tenfold Increase in Energy Drink-Related Hospitalizations

We all remember the lightning rod of media controversy caused by Four Loko, the potent mix of excess caffeine and alcohol that managed to spell disaster for individuals across the country. The incidents involving caffeinated malt beverages were so sensationalized that the FDA ended up banning alcohol from energy drinks. It seems as though there may be evidence that suggests energy drinks themselves may be dangerous, even without the alcoholic content.

A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration revealed that between the years of 2005 and 2009, the hospitalizations relating to the consumption of energy drinks have increased tenfold within that 4 year time frame. The number of incidents increased from just over 1,000 cases in 2005 to well over 13,000 in 2009 with over 16,000 in 2008–the highest number of energy drink-related hospitalizations ever.

The majority of those cases involved males between the ages of 18 and 39. Although about 40% of the cases did involve the consumption of drugs or alcohol, the majority of the cases remained independent of combinations with other substances. Most of the hospitalization incidents involved some serious medical conditions including arrhythmias, hypertension and dehydration.