More Emergency Visits Linked to Energy Drinks BARRY MEIER New York Times January 11,

The Effects of Energy Drinks Rising number of patients –Young Emergency room visits –Complications related to energy drinks Hospital visits have doubled from 2007 to 2011

The Facts In 2011, 20,783 visits vs. with 10,068 in 2007 –Problems, which are typically linked to excessive caffeine consumption, can include anxiety, headaches, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks. The energy drink industry had $10 billion in sales last year Scrutiny from Food and Drug Administration due to reports that mention the drinks when describing injuries and even deaths –Producers still insist they are safe

The Facts Largest group: 18 to 25 Largest increase: 40 or older More male patients than female patients Total visits of both genders doubled from 2007 to 2011 In 2011, 58% of visits with energy drinks only visits vs. 42% of visits with drinks and other substances

Market: producers claim that their formulations provide consumers with a physical and mental edge Data: little scientific evidence shows that the drinks provide anything more than a high dose of caffeine “Health professionals can discourage use of energy drinks by explaining that perceived health benefits are largely due to marketing techniques rather than scientific evidence” Marketing vs. Data Energy drink producers claim that their proprietary formulations provide consumers with a physical and mental edge. There is little scientific evidence, however, that the drinks provide anything more than a high dose of caffeine similar to that found in a strong cup of coffee. “Health professionals can discourage use of energy drinks by explaining that perceived health benefits are largely due to marketing techniques rather than scientific evidence,” the report said.

The Results

Over the 2000s, the higher usage of energy drinks correlates to a higher number of emergency visits, which results in: Longer wait times in emergency care Higher output for energy drink companies And? The Economics

MBMB’ MC Decrease in MB More drinks More problems Anxiety Heart attacks Seizures

Questions?