To call this energy drink a powerful punch is very accurate; in its two ounce package, it has as much caffeine as two cups of coffee, and some people will have as many as five or six each day. Granted, most people don't -- they may have only one or two every couple days -- but even then, they could face dangerous side effects if their body isn't used to all that caffeine.
Chanc Nack is no stranger to 5-Hour Energy shots, and towards the end of his hectic work week selling tech gadgets, he usually needs a jump-start to his days. "They're really good," says Nack. "They keep me awake during work. [...] It's not like an over-energy, where you wanna run around and do laps, [and I] gotta stay on my feet working on phones so I don't screw them up."
Yet these pick-me-ups may be bringing some people down hard. Since 2009, 5-Hour Energy has been mentioned in 90 filings with the FDA, more than 30 of which involved serious conditions such as heart attacks and convulsions.
These new reports mark the second time in recent weeks that the FDA has received filings on deaths linked to energy drink consumption. The first report cited Monster energy drinks, which have been linked to five deaths.
Still, registered dietitian Lisa Wojahn asks that these new reports be read carefully; while beverages like 5-Hour Energy have the potential to be dangerous, the degree of risk varies depending of the person using them according to his or her ability to tolerate the caffeine.
"If you're new at taking them, ... you can end up with things like heart palpitations," Wojahn tells us. "There've been reports of seizures and different adverse effects."
For others with higher tolerance levels, it the risk is much lower. "If they're taking it fine, tolerating it fine, and not overusing it, it's probably not a bad thing for them to continue taking it," says Wojahn.
According to Wojahn, it comes down to a calculated risk, and that's a risk that many -- like Nack -- are willing to take for that extra bit of energy.
"That's just those people," insists Nack. "I haven't died yet, and I've been drinking them for five years now."
Wojahn says if you're using energy drinks consistently, you may need to look at why your energy is low. You need to make sure you're getting enough sleep and have a healthy diet. She also recommended coffee as an alternative -- you get the added benefits of antioxidants.
As with any substance, the safest way to use energy drinks is follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Typically, there will be a informational panel somewhere on the packaging which will give a recommended amount or an amount you shouldn't exceed.
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