Yesterday I posted a comment on a recent case filed against the manufacturer of an "energy drink" that alleges the high level of caffeine in the drink contributed to cause someone's death. Go here for that story.
Today, the New York Times has published a story (here) discussing the fact that the FDA have received reports of thirteen deaths over the last four
years that cited the possible involvement of 5-Hour Energy, a highly
caffeinated energy drink.
One might think that thirteen incidents in four years may not sound like much. But, as the NYT story states, that has to be looked at in the context of the number of fatality reports filed with the F.D.A. that relate to all products. In 2010, for example, the F.D.A. received
a total of 17 fatality reports that mentioned a dietary supplement or a
weight loss product, two broad categories that cover more than 50,000
products.
So, as I said in my post yesterday, can too much caffeine cause death? Perhaps manufacturers of "energy drinks" should be concerned.
UPDATE (11/15/12): The blog Injured has more information here.
UPDATE (11/18/12): About Lawsuits has picked up the story here.
