2012_10_Monster energy drink linked to 5 deaths

The next time you reach for a Monster energy drink, read the label. You won't find much explaining what you're consuming, but you will find this: the promise of a killer energy brew. Sadly that's just what 14-year-old Anais Fournier at Maryland may have gotten last December having consumed two 24 oz. cans in two days. Her family claims she was killed by Monster, now her family is suing the company and the FDA is investigating claims that Monster contributed to five deaths and one non-fatal heart attack. They could only create potential side-effects, if you're not careful. Fox news senior managing health editor, Doctor Mani Alvarez, cautions there's no way for you or your teen to be fully informed when it comes to consuming any energy drink because they aren't regulated by the FDA. And why? Energy drinks are considered "dietary supplements", not food. They may pick up one of these drinks, just to feel better or thinking that they're gonna get more energy. In reality what is happening they're getting dehydrated, so they're going out in the field, in their own sweating, and that could really also affect the electrolytes and many times really create a cardiac abnormality. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports kids and teens should consume no more than 100 mgs. of caffeine in one day. Anais Fournier consumed almost 500 mgs. over two days. Her intake alone equalled fourteen 12 oz. cans of soda. The company points out more than 8 billion cans of its drinks have been safely consumed since 2002. It also says, it is (quote): "unaware of any fatality anywhere that has been caused by its drinks" So this news isn't sitting well with Manhattanites looking for a "pick-me-up". I didn't think an energy drink would damage, cause they're supposed to, like, help your body to, like, function in the morning. What remains to be seen is if claims like those found in that lawsuit lead to greater, more rational oversight of the energy drink industry. Reporting on the Upper East Side, Teresa Priolo, Fox Five News.