Monster energy Drinks Linked To 5 Deaths? – Do You Drink Energy Drinks? [POLL]

Some people guzzle energy drinks like they’re water and can’t get through a day without them, others can’t stand them and everyone else falls somewhere in between. However, if you drink Monster Energy drinks you might want to read this.

According to 9News, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of five deaths and a non-fatal heart attack that claim to be linked to Monster Energy Drinks.

An FDA spokesman says they have received the reports, but that nothing has been proven to link the deaths to the energy drinks. And, of course, Monster says they do not believe their products had anything to do with these, or any deaths.

9News reports that last week a wrongful death suit was filed against Monster Beverage Corp. by the parents of a 14-year-old girl who died after drinking two, 24-ounce Monster drinks in 24 hours. Her autopsy revealed that she died of cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. (She also had a disorder that can weaken blood vessels.)

From BusinessWeek:

The five death reports, and a sixth in 2009, were among 37 adverse reaction reports since 2004 that mentioned Monster drinks, according to a log of incidents that health professionals, companies and the public voluntarily recorded with the FDA. The agency has said it’s working on draft guidelines that would ensure energy drinks are safe.

Click here to see some of the side effects that can happen when drinking energy drinks.

This is certainly not the first time energy drinks have come under serious scrutiny. There are calls for poison warnings on energy drinks in Australia, New York State is investigating energy drink makers for misleading consumers, and pediatricians warning parents that children should not consume them.

So what's your take on energy drinks?

Here is a list of some of the energy drinks out there right now from Buzzle: