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Consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine has increased dramatically in the U.S., from 2.3 billion drinks in 2005 to 6 billion drinks in 2010. One third to one half of teens and young adults report regular consumption; nearly half of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas report daily use. In two essays, authors review risks associated with these drinks.
The usual caffeine content of these drinks is 80 to 140 mg, but some have double that level. Because they are marketed as dietary supplements, they are exempt from most regulations. A single cup of coffee, which contains about 100 mg of caffeine, results in a blood level of 1 to 2 µg/mL. Swedish researchers identified 20 deaths related to caffeine intoxication (blood level, >80 µg/…