FDA Releases Reports on Injuries Possibly Involving Red Bull Energy Drink

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday released reports of injuries that cited the possible involvement of the nation’s top-selling energy drink, Red Bull. The reports follow the release of similar reports for other energy drinks, The New York Times reports.

Red Bull’s manufacturer said it was unaware of cases of potential injuries involving their product, the article notes. The FDA posted 21 reports filed since 2004 that mentioned Red Bull, including ones that involved hospitalization for heart problems and vomiting. The newspaper notes the mention of a product in a report of an injury or death does not mean it caused or contributed to it.

The FDA also recently reported filings involving Monster Energy, 5-Hour Energy and Rockstar. The FDA is investigating reports that five people have died since 2009 after they consumed Monster energy drinks. The FDA also received reports of 13 deaths over the last four years that may have involved the highly caffeinated drink 5-Hour Energy.

Last year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration issued a report that found a sharp rise in the number of emergency department visits linked with the use of non-alcohol energy drinks, from 1,128 visits in 2005, to 13,114 in 2009. The report noted that energy drinks are marketed to appeal to youth, and are consumed by up to half of children, teenagers and young adults.