Does the energizer bunny have health problems?

Halie Wetherington
ECB Publishing, Inc.

What are energy drinks?
Energy drinks are caffeinated beverages meant to increase alertness, attention and energy. Along with caffeine, these drinks typically contain high levels of various vitamins, additives and added sugars. Guarana, taurine and L-carnitine are among the most common stimulants included in the drinks.
The biggest factor in these drinks is caffeine. This ingredient is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that has the ability to increase heart rate and blood pressure when consumed in large amounts.
For adults, 400 milligrams can be consumed safely in a day's time, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, for teenagers (ages 12-18), the intake of caffeine should be limited to 100 milligrams per day. For children under the age of 12, caffeine should not be consumed at all.
What are the dangers?
Energy drinks are extremely popular with various groups of people and ages. Athletes and employees are notably the largest consumers of caffeinated drinks, even though many of them are very unhealthy for the body. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), energy drinks are known to cause dehydration, heart complications such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure, anxiety and insomnia. In 2011, 1,499 adolescents from 12 to 17 years old went to the emergency room for an energy drink related emergency.