Dangers of energy drinks

7 Healthcast: Dangers of energy drinks

According to a new study, the drinks have unknown and often high amounts of caffeine. That can be dangerous for young adults.

Researchers said in 2007 there were more than 2,500 caffeine overdoses in teenagers. Some of those cases may have been a combination of energy drinks and alcohol.

But, experts said a jolt of caffeine alone is enough to cause symptoms of an overdose.

"Their heart is beating faster, fluttering, palpitating, they may feel nauseous, they may feel light headed," said Dr. Steven Lipshultz of the University of Miami.

The American Beverage Association said the FDA has deemed caffeine safe and say most energy drinks contain about half the caffeine of a similar size cup of coffee.

But, doctors said the problem arises because many teens have more than one drink at a time.

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