FDA investigating energy drink deaths

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Food and Drug Administration is investigating 13 deaths and 92 reports of hospitalizations and illnesses related to energy shots by 5 Hour Energy.

Nutritional expert Dr. Dozie Onunkwo said there are two ingredients in energy drinks that could put your health in jeopardy.

"Number one, per serving size the amount of caffeine in energy drinks is really a lot greater than what you might get in your normal cup of coffee and number two, along with that higher amount of caffeine there are an amount of stimulants," Onunkwo said. "Unregulated stimulants that are added to these drinks that can be potentially dangerous."

Purdue junior Andrew Linfoot is the creator of Kyk energy powder. Kyk can be added to any drink to add a boost of energy, our sister station WLFI reports.

Linfoot said while tragic events are being reported in relation to energy drinks, he said there isn't scientific evidence to prove energy supplements are to blame.

"I feel like the situation is overblown, but people have died and people are coming to the conclusion that it is because of these energy supplements although that is not a scientifically backed," Linfoot said.

Many people who consume energy drinks on a regular basis are adolescents and Dr. Onunkwo said many don't even know they're potentially hurting their bodies.

"Over a long period of time this can cause risks to your liver, to your kidneys, to your heart and they don't understand that," Onunkwo said about the dangers of energy supplements. "All they know is that energy jolt that they get so that's really dangerous."

Linfoot said his product is designed for adults only.

"It's recommended for children, typically 18 or older [is the suggested age]," Linfoot said. "In general though, if you're not predisposed to a heart condition, even if you are under 18, you shouldn't have any issues with these products."

Linfoot does stress using Kyk, and any energy drink or shot, in moderation.

If you're looking for a way to stray away from the sugary drinks filled with caffeine Dr. Onunkwo said there's a way to have energy naturally.

"Rather than relying on an energy drink, number one get your sleep if you can and number two look at your lifestyle," Onunkwo said. "Make sure you're eating properly and make sure you're exercising. Those are the best ways to maintain your energy throughout the day."

Once you start it may be hard to stop. Onunkwo said breaking the habit could mean suffering through headaches and other symptoms of withdrawal due to the high amount of caffeine.

Doctor Onunkwo suggests talking to your doctor if you're considering trying energy drinks. He also said healthier alternatives to energy drinks are coffee and green tea.