Monster drinks have been gaining in popularity over the last few years and nowadays it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing someone drinking one of these energy beverages. While there are numerous energy drink brands out there, Monster is one of the most popular, especially with teenagers.

While a recent lawsuit aims to stop energy drink companies such as the Monster Beverage Corp from marketing their energy products to children, health experts say the drinks are harmful to everyone, not just teens and youngsters.

Caffeinated Monster drinks contain on average, 240 mg of caffeine. That is over half of what is recommended for adults on a daily basis and more than double the recommended intake for children and teens. Considering most adults drink other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, including sodas and coffee, an energy drink can easily cause the average person to consume unsafe amounts of caffeine each day.

When it comes to energy drinks, adults are expected to know better than to fall for advertising gimmicks and to avoid consuming too many caffeinated beverages. Children and teens on the other hand, are much more easily influenced by television commercials and advertisements.

According to San Francisco attorney Dennis Herrera, who has filed a lawsuit against the Monster Beverage Corp, the company is aware that the ingredients used in their energy drinks are unsafe, but have failed to warn consumers of the risks involved with drinking the energy drinks.
Monster released a statement about the lawsuit saying,

“The sale and consumption of more than 10 billion Monster energy drinks worldwide over more than 11 years has shown that our products are safe. Contrary to allegations, they are not “highly caffeinated” and they are not marketed to children. In fact, a 16-ounce Monster Energy drink contains less than half the caffeine of a 16-oz (medium) size cup of Starbucks brewed coffee. Monster’s labels state: “Consume responsibly: Not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women or women who are nursing.”

The FDA believes that caffeine itself is the real problem and not just energy drinks. It is the opinion of the energy drink companies and many consumers that the task of ensuring that children and teens do not drink energy drinks falls on the parents.

What do you think?

Image via Wikimedia Commons.