Can energy drinks be dangerous?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Energy drinks have become the drink of choice for people of all ages. They come in all colors and sizes. However, is what's inside the cans cause for concern?
     
In the past year, the company makes Monster energy drink has been cited in the deaths of five people.
     
In addition, just three years ago, over 13,000 emergency room visits were caused by energy beverages.
     
The issue lies with the amount of caffeine, a substance that takes affect just five minutes after consumed.
     
If someone takes too much, it can cause heart problems, including cardiac arrhythmia.

Before energy drinks, when people were tired they're come get a cup of coffee or come over to the vending machine and get a can of soda. By comparison, a can of soda has between 25 and 70 milligrams of caffeine; an energy drink has two, three, or even four times that amount.
     
While soda companies are required to put the amount of caffeine on the can, energy drink companies are not. This is because many products are listed as dietary supplements.
     
This can keep individuals from knowing exactly what they're drinking.
     
Another big problem is combining energy drinks with other beverages. About half of the emergency room visits involving energy drinks also involved drugs or alcohol; a mix that can be very risky.
     
So while the drinks can provide a quick dose of energy, if not consumed properly, they can be dangerous.