5 hour energy shots

Living Essentials, LLC makes the 5-Hour Energy drink.The five hour energy drink has found its way into the gas stations and retail stores across the country. It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product claims to “help you feel sharp and alert for hours without the crash or jitters.” The drink contains a mix of B vitamins, the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine,taurine, malic acid, glucurolactone and caffeine. It contains zero sugar, zero herbal stimulants and four calories. The amount of caffeine varies depending on the energy shot. The maker claims the original 5-hour energy drink "contains caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee." Extra Strength contains as much as 12 ounces of premium coffee, while Decaf 5-Hour Energy contains only as much caffeine as a half cup of decaffeinated coffee.

After going through all the information on the 5-hour energy homepage you cant help but feel enticed to buy a couple to try out. They seem to have everything you need but what concerns me the most is the amount of B-vitamins and caffeine it contains.

Ingredients in 5 hour energy drink that may call for health issues-

1. Niacin -is a water-soluble vitamin, and is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3.  It can be found in many foods, including milk, eggs, fish, meat, and cereal grains.  Niacin is involved with the proper functioning of many oxidation-reduction reactions in the body, including the degradation of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol.  They also assist in the formation of macromolecules such as fatty acids and cholesterol.  The recommended daily intake for adolescents (14-18 years) and adults (older than 19 years) is 16 mg/day for males and 14 mg/day for females (Food and Nutrition Board, 1998).A side effect of taking niacin at levels as low as 30 mg/day can be a reddening and warming of the skin, called a “Niacin Flush” 5-Hour Energy warns the consumer of the possibility of Niacin Flush on the label of their product.  According to the Mayo Clinic, other, more serious side effects include “liver toxicity, worsening of stomach ulcers, and altered blood sugar or insulin levels or uric acid concentrations”. 
2. Vitamin B6 & Vitamin B12 - The amount of these ingredients concerns me the most. 5-hour energy shots has about 2000% of Vit B6 and 8333% of Vit B12. The makers also have posted a fancy explanation for this too on their site. They simply state that the B Vitamins in their supplement; B6, B12, B3, and B9 are water soluble, any amount that is not absorbed is “expelled with no toxic effects.” They even go on to say that those on B vitamin therapy take even higher doses. Sounds convincing right? But I would like to point out that one can suffer from toxicity of these vitamins.The classic sign of vitamin B₆ toxicity is peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems in the hands and feet). This can cause unusual and unexplained sensations, such as numbness, tingling "pins and needles" feelings, pricking, or burning. These sensations may sometimes affect the area around the mouth as well. If left untreated, the nerve damage can cause difficulty sensing vibrations and sensing the position of the limbs. The upper limit intake set by US FDA is 100 mg/day.

A heavy dosage of vitamin B12 is mostly considered harmless because it is soluble in water . Therefore, the part of unabsorbed vitamin B12 can be thrown out of the body through the colon. However, if there is substantial increase in the amount of vitamin B12 present in the body, it could increase the possibility of different types of cancers and other ailments.

There is a link between cancer and vitamin B12. This is because, intake of Vitamin B12 as a supplement activates cell division. However, it fails to identify healthy and unhealthy cells. Thus, it adversely facilitates the growth of cancerous cells. Patients using vitamin B12 to treat pernicious anemia may develop leukemia. Rise in level of vitamin B12 in our body can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. If intake of vitamin B12 is accompanied by high cholesterol diet and animal protein, then stomach and esophagus cancer may occur.

It can also lead to excessive growth red blood cells as well as overall volume of blood, which is known as polycythemia vera. Vitamin B12 can lead to some diseases related to blood and blood vessels. Vitamin B12 can cause clotting of blood inside the blood vessels. When vitamin B12 is administered for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia, it has led to fatal conditions like hypokalemia and gout in some patients.

There is no definite upper limit of vitamin B12 consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to take this vitamin in moderate amounts only, and importantly in consultation with your doctor.

3. Caffeine: The makers do not disclose the amount of caffeine in the drink.

1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act:

Most energy drinks fall under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act by claiming that the ingredients in the drinks are derived from healthy substances, such as vitamins, herbs and other natural sources.  Under this act, the Food and Drug Administration does not have to regulate the supplements before they are marketed, and it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to make sure the product is safe and effective.  The companies do have to disclose the ingredients found in their products, but for the ingredients included in the “other ingredients” section instead of the “Supplement Facts” section, the specific amounts (such as the amount of caffeine in 5-Hour Energy) does not have to be included.

In 1989, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited the amount of caffeine in OTC products to a maximum of 200 mg/dose.Caffeine has differing CNS, cardiovascular, and metabolic effects based on the quantity ingested. Average doses of caffeine (85-250 mg, the equivalent of 1-3 cups of coffee) may result in feelings of alertness, decreased fatigue, and eased flow of thought. High doses (250-500 mg) can result in restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and tremors. In high doses, caffeine can cause a hyperadrenergic syndrome resulting in seizures and cardiovascular instability.

After all the research I would suggest everyone to avoid this drink as much as possible. While experts consider this energy beverage safe for moderate use, the effects of long-term use or excessive consumption is yet been researched. Overuse may have adverse effects such as nervousness, sleeplessness, irritability, tremors, flushing, muscle spasms or a temporary lack of muscle coordination. 

While the 5-Hour Energy drink is generally considered safe when used as directed, pregnant and nursing mothers, children under 12 years of age, and patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) should not consume this product.Those who are under medical care or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before using the 5-Hour Energy drink or any nutritional supplement.

^{Lawsuit that I would like to bring your attention -} 

• Heart attack victim's spouse sues 5-Hour Energy maker for wrongful death

http://www.walletpop.com/2010/08/03/heart-attack-victims-spouse-sues-5-hour-energy-maker-for-wrongf/