On the recordNovember 15, 2012
over the past few years we have seen a dramatic increase in the sale of energy drinks in America. Energy drinks are now common fixtures in grocery stores, vending machines, gas stations, convenience stores, and everywhere we turn. They target young people with flashy ads and names such as Monster and Rock Star and with claims to increase attention stamina and even to help with weight loss. According to one study, 30 to 50 percent of adolescents, teenagers, consume energy drinks. Sadly, as the sale of energy drinks has grown, so has the alarming evidence that these energy drinks pose a potential threat to our Nation's health. Yesterday, the New York Times featured an article that found that the Food and Drug Administration has received 13 adverse event reports for people who died--who died--after consuming 5-hour ENERGY drinks. Just last month, news reports found that five people died--five--after consuming Monster Energy drinks. This last May, I met the mother and family of 14-year-old Anais Fournier from Maryland. This lovely young teenager lost her life last December when she went into cardiac arrest--caused by caffeine toxicity--after she drank two--two--24-ounce Monster Energy drinks in less than 24 hours. Anais was an honor student. She was a good student and a great writer, and she used to watch movies with her mom. An American Academy of Pediatrics study recommends adolescents consume no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine each day.…





