Today Red Bull drinks are sold in over 160 countries and have sales of approximately four billion cans per year. The popular energy drink, composed of Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Sucrose, Caffeine (80mg), Glucose, B-Group Vitamins and Alpine spring water, can be purchased in sizes ranging from a small eight ounce can, to the larger twenty-ounce can. According to the company website, a key ingredient in Red Bull is Alpine spring water and the consumption of the product gives consumers wings and a zest for life.
Recently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released reports of injuries citing possible links to the popular energy drink Red Bull. The Food & Drug Administration posted twenty-one (21) reports that were filed with the agency since 2004. The reports include complaints such as vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, and hospitalization for heart problems. The incidents were voluntarily reported and are deemed allegations with no conclusion drawn until investigations are completed.
The FDA also released reports for other energy drink makers – Rockstar Inc., Monster Beverage Corp., and 5hour energy products. 5hour energy was cited in 92 reports. The 5hour energy reports included 33 hospitalizations and 13 deaths. Monster products were cited in 40 reports which included 20 hospital stays and 5 deaths. Rockstar was listed in 13 reports, including 4 hospitalizations and no deaths.
The FDA has advised consumers to talk with their health care providers before using any product marketed as an “energy shot” or “energy drink.”
Aaron Watson is an associate attorney at Levin Papantonio. Mr. Watson has served as president for the Black Law Students Association at Stetson, interned with the United States Department of Justice, and volunteered with the Florida Attorney General’s office. He was selected for the Stallworth Trial Team Award by faculty, named to Who’s Who Among American Universities & Colleges, and was inducted into The National Order of Barristers. Mr. Watson currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice. He also serves on the board of directors for the Florida Justice Association
More information on energy drink dangers.
