Health Canada Reports Deaths from Energy Drinks

Canadian drug regulators say they have received reports since 2003 of three deaths and 35 serious side effects such as irregular heart beat and amnesia believed to be associated with consuming energy drinks.

Two 15-year-olds and an 18-year-old died after consuming Red Bull—a brand named in the greatest number of side-effects reports filed with Health Canada, according to a report inThe Star.

The revelation comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s announcement of 13 deaths that may be linked to 5-hour Energy, a caffeinated energy drink, also sold in Canada. The Star writes there have been five reports of Canadians who suffered serious side effects believed caused by 5-hour Energy.

However, the reports filed with Health Canada do not mean that a product is the cause of an injury or death, and it is difficult to prove medically that one caused the other as the reports do not consider whether other factors, such as alcohol or drugs, may have played a role.

The Canadian Beverage Association told The Star that a third-party review of the Health Canada reports found it was not possible to draw any conclusions about the role played by energy drinks in the incidents.

Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, Vitamin B, and taurine, which may not be safe for teenagers who consume the drinks.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe energy drink or product, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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