November 17, 2012 — The FDA has reported to the New York Times that 13 deaths have been linked to 5 Hour Energy, a popular energy drink.

The FDA has confirmed that they have received 92 reports, including 33 hospitalizations and 13 deaths linked to 5 Hour Energy.

All of the reports were submitted by Living Essentials, the manufacturer of 5 Hour Energy, after a 2008 law was passed requiring dietary supplement manufacturers to notify the FDA of deaths linked to their products.

A spokesperson for Living Essentials told the Times that the company was “unaware of any deaths proven to be caused by the consumption of 5 Hour Energy.” The filing of an incident report with the FDA does not prove that the product was responsible for an injury, but the high number of deaths is certainly cause for concern. For example, in 2010, the FDA only received 17 fatality reports from the entire dietary supplement and weight-loss product industry.

5 Hour Energy is an energy drink sold in 2-once “shots.” Although the manufacturer does not disclose the exact amount of caffeine in each product, Consumer Reports found about 215 milligrams of caffeine. This is about twice the amount of caffeine in a normal 8-ounce cup of coffee.

Because 5 Hour Energy and other energy drinks are regulated as dietary supplements instead of drugs or food, the FDA does not have authority to require the manufacturer to list the amount of caffeine on the label, or provide warnings about excessive caffeine consumption or side effects.

Like many energy drinks, 5 Hour Energy is marketed toward adults who need a boost of energy on the job or while working out. Some critics have raised concerns about advertisements associating 5 Hour Energy with activities such as mountain climbing, running in the wilderness, or mountain biking. These activities significantly raise blood pressure and heart rhythm, which could be exacerbated irregular heart rhythm by dehydration and side effects of caffeine toxicity.

Caffeine toxicity was listed as the cause of death of a 14 year-old girl who suffered a cardiac arrest after consuming two Monster energy drinks. The girl had an underlying heart valve disorder that was exacerbated by the toxic effect of caffeine, according to the autopsy report.

Need a Texas Energy Drink Lawyer?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Energy Drink lawyers for a free lawsuit review.

Meet Your Attorney

Collen A. Clark

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

“Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 879-3040.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.