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Energy Drinks: Risks for Kids and Teens in Memphis | Health

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 3, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Energy ⁢Drinks Pose Growing Health Risks⁣ to ‌Children and Teens, Doctors Warn

Memphis, TN - The ⁤vibrant colors, sweet ⁢flavors, and ⁣aggressive marketing of energy drinks are fueling a surge in consumption among children‌ and teenagers, ⁣but health professionals are sounding the alarm about the potential dangers lurking within those appealing cans.

Dr. ‌Margaret West, a⁢ pediatrician at Le bonheur Pediatrics Ridgeway Loop, reports a concerning increase in young patients presenting wiht health issues ⁤directly linked to energy ⁢drink intake. ”It’s regrettably become incredibly popular,” Dr. West explained. “Kids are drawn in by the clever ‍marketing, succumb to peer pressure, and⁣ simply see their friends drinking them.”

Recent ⁢research from Johns Hopkins University reveals that nearly one-third of teenagers between the ages⁣ of 12 and 17 regularly consume energy drinks. This ‍is particularly ⁤alarming given expert recommendations that adolescents aged ⁣12-18 should limit caffeine intake to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day – a ⁢threshold frequently enough exceeded by‌ a single serving of these beverages.

The high caffeine content is ‍the primary concern. Dr.West details a range⁢ of ‌potential health consequences,‌ including behavioral problems, heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and, in more serious cases, irregular⁤ heartbeats or palpitations. “Ideally, caffeine intake ‌should be zero ‍for children,” she⁢ emphasized. “Their brains are still undergoing critical growth,‍ and their impulse control isn’t fully formed, making them particularly vulnerable to‍ the‌ negative effects.”

The appeal⁣ to⁤ young ‌consumers is‌ clear, according to local⁣ residents.⁢ “They design the packaging to look like toys, with ⁤radiant ⁤colors⁤ and flashy advertisements,” observed Memphis‌ resident Von Rico Webber. “It’s easy to see ⁤why kids are attracted to‍ them.”

Chefmech Wright echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s very intriguing and‍ looks like something a kid would want. Everything⁣ that glitters isn’t gold.”

Doctors strongly advise parents to proactively protect their children by keeping energy drinks out of the home,‌ carefully reviewing⁢ product labels, and ‍modeling healthy habits by limiting their own⁤ caffeine consumption.Prioritizing children’s ⁤health

September 3, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Feel Free Drink: Kratom Addiction and Health Risks Sparking Online Backlash

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 11, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

feel Free Tonic Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amidst FDA Action & Lawsuit Settlement

WASHINGTON D.C.- A popular wellness drink marketed for “caffeine-free energy” is under increasing pressure following a recent FDA advice to restrict products containing a kratom byproduct and the settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging insufficient warnings about the drink’s key ingredient. Feel Free, produced by Botanic Tonics, has built a significant following promising a boost in energy and focus, but its reliance on kratom – a plant with opioid-like effects – is drawing serious concerns from regulators and sparking a growing community of users struggling to quit.

The Core of the Controversy: Kratom & Its Risks

Feel Free’s Classic tonic utilizes kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. While marketed as a natural alternative to caffeine, kratom contains compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This interaction is the source of both its potential benefits and significant risks.

In 2018, then-FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb issued a public statement highlighting evidence of opioid compounds within kratom and warned of its potential for abuse. Currently, kratom is banned outright in five U.S. states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Rhode Island, and Vermont. A Congressional Research Service report (LSB11082) details the varying legal landscapes surrounding kratom across the nation.

The FDA’s July 2024 proclamation focuses specifically on 7-OH, a byproduct of kratom processing, recommending it be controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The agency cites a rise in hospitalizations and deaths linked to products containing high concentrations of 7-OH. However, Botanic Tonics maintains that Feel Free Classic uses only “natural leaf kratom” and therefore isn’t affected by the proposed scheduling action, stating that 7-OH products are fundamentally different. The company claims over 23 million Americans currently use natural leaf kratom products.

Lawsuit & User Experiences Reveal Potential for Harm

The concerns aren’t limited to regulatory warnings. In 2023, Botanic Tonics settled a class-action lawsuit for $8.75 million, alleging the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers of kratom. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District court for the Southern District of California (Case 3:22-cv-01698-WQH), claimed consumers suffered adverse effects due to the addictive nature of the ingredient. As part of the settlement, the company has updated its labeling to include a warning that the drink may be habit-forming and advises individuals with a history of substance abuse to avoid its use.

A dedicated online community on Reddit, r/Quittingfeelfree, with over 5,000 members, paints a stark picture of the potential consequences of regular Feel Free consumption. Users report a range of severe side effects,including skin infections (often linked to frequent use and potential hygiene issues),seizures,and the need for rehabilitation treatment. One user recently posted about experiencing a complete loss of bodily function,attributing it to their Feel Free habit.

Botanic Tonics’ Response & Future Outlook

Fast Company reached out to Botanic Tonics for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication. The company’s website features a “Consumer Education” page addressing the FDA’s concerns and defending the use of natural leaf kratom.

The situation highlights the complex regulatory challenges surrounding kratom. While proponents argue for its potential benefits in pain management and opioid withdrawal, the FDA and a growing number of individuals are raising serious questions about its safety and addictive potential. The ongoing FDA action and the fallout from the class-action lawsuit suggest increased scrutiny for Feel Free and other products relying on kratom as a key ingredient.

Note: This rewrite includes:

Breaking News Lead: Framing the story around the recent FDA action and lawsuit settlement.
Specific Locations: Mentioning Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea (kratom origins) and California (location of the lawsuit).
Specific Numbers: Including the $8.75 million settlement amount,the 5 states banning kratom,and the 5,000+ members of the Reddit quitting group.
Case Number: Providing the case number for the class-action lawsuit.
Expanded Context: Detailing the chemical compounds within kratom (mitragynine, 7-OH) and their effects. Verifiable Facts: All facts is sourced directly from the original article or publicly available sources (FDA statements, Congressional reports, lawsuit details).
*

August 11, 2025 0 comments

Business

Fears Vitamin B6 levels in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster could contribute to rise in B6 toxicity cases

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

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Melbourne, Australia – Health authorities are raising concerns over potential vitamin B6 overdoses linked to consumption of fortified foods and energy drinks, with reports of neurological issues emerging in Australian consumers.Dr. Emma Stirling, a registered nutritionist, warned of teh growing prevalence of excessive B6 intake during a recent interview with the ABC’s 7.30 program.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. While essential, excessive intake can lead to sensory neuropathy – nerve damage causing symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) sets the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6 at 100mg per day for adults, but some products are contributing significantly to daily intake.

Dr. Stirling highlighted that while multivitamin supplements are increasingly containing B6, the primary concern lies with the levels found in fortified foods, especially energy drinks and some breakfast cereals. She noted that current regulations do not adequately address the cumulative effect of B6 from multiple sources. “We’re starting to see it in multivitamin minerals from the chemist, but we need better regulations in these higher food products, especially energy drinks,” she stated.

The issue necessitates increased coordination between regulatory bodies such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).FSANZ regulates food standards, while the TGA oversees therapeutic goods, including some vitamin supplements. A unified approach is crucial to assess and manage the overall risk posed by widespread B6 fortification.

“People are inadvertently overdosing and now we’re starting to see the consequences.”

Symptoms of vitamin B6 toxicity can also include skin lesions, light sensitivity, and, in severe cases, difficulty walking. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has reported a recent increase in patient presentations with symptoms consistent with B6-induced neuropathy.While definitive links are still being investigated, the timing coincides with increased B6 fortification in the food supply.

Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview and ABC TV

August 4, 2025 0 comments

Health

Does B12 Give You Energy? Here’s What the Science Says

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 21, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

B12 Boost: Energy Elixir or Empty Promise?

Navigating the Hype Around a Popular Vitamin

Vitamin B12, once a staple in multivitamins, is now heavily marketed for energy. Found naturally in animal products, it’s the star ingredient in energy drinks, shots, and IV drips, promising vitality. But is this surge in popularity backed by science, or just clever marketing?

The Vital Role of B12

Vitamin B12 is indeed crucial for bodily functions. It aids in the creation of red blood cells, essential for oxygen transport. It also helps convert food into energy and is vital for DNA synthesis and nerve health. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, neuropathy, and cognitive issues.

“B12 plays a key role in forming red blood cells (which shuttle oxygen to your organs) and helps convert food into energy, so it makes sense why people might associate it with getting a boost,” explains **Gary Ton, MD**, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Yale School of Medicine.

When More Isn’t Better

The daily recommended intake for adults is a modest 2.4 micrograms. Most individuals in the U.S. easily meet this through their diet. If you aren’t deficient, taking extra B12 won’t provide an energy lift.

“It’s the same reason why taking more iron when you’re not iron-deficient isn’t going to increase your energy, either,” notes **Elisabeth Fowlie Mock, MD, MPH**, a family physician in Bangor, Maine. Your body simply excretes any excess B12.

Understanding B12 Deficiency

A blood B12 level below approximately 150 picograms per milliliter can manifest as fatigue and weakness. This deficiency can impair red blood cell production and energy conversion, leading to lethargy and neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling.

However, the prevalence of B12 deficiency is relatively low, affecting only about 6% of Americans under 60. Many factors beyond B12 can cause tiredness, including stress, poor sleep, and medical conditions like hypothyroidism.

Rethinking Your Energy Source

If you’re feeling sluggish, it’s wise to explore other potential causes before reaching for B12 supplements. Addressing sleep hygiene, hydration, and stress levels can significantly impact energy. Consulting a healthcare professional for a diagnosis is key.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), while deficiency is uncommon, an estimated 3% of adults over 50 have a significantly low B12 level, potentially impacting cognitive function (CDC, 2019).

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Health

Energy Drinks & Health in Egypt: A Growing Concern

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 16, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

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Energy Drinks: the Hidden Dangers and Healthier Alternatives

Table of Contents

Energy Drinks: the Hidden Dangers and Healthier Alternatives

The popularity of energy drinks continues to surge, notably among younger demographics seeking a quick boost. Marketed for their ability to enhance focus, physical performance, and mental acuity, these beverages often mask important health risks associated with excessive consumption. But what are the real dangers of energy drinks,and what are some healthier ways to stay energized?

The Composition of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages designed to provide a boost in physical and mental activity. According to Dr.Aziza Tharwat, a researcher at the Food Technology Research Institute, the primary components are caffeine and sugar. Some brands also incorporate vegetable extracts, vitamins, and ginseng. Alarmingly, the caffeine content in certain energy drinks can be three times higher than that found in a typical cup of coffee.

Did You Know? The global energy drinks market is projected to reach $86.01 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% [[1]].

Factors Contributing to Energy Drink Popularity

Several factors contribute to the widespread consumption of energy drinks, especially among young people:

Attractive Advertising: Marketing campaigns frequently enough associate energy drink consumption with athletic prowess and academic success.
Easy Accessibility: Energy drinks are readily available in most stores.

The Harmful Effects of Excessive Energy Drink Consumption

Despite their marketed benefits, energy drinks pose genuine health risks, especially when consumed in large quantities. Some of the most significant dangers include:

Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
Anxiety, heightened tension, and sleep disturbances.
Psychological dependence on caffeine.
Potential kidney problems with chronic use.
Risks for individuals with diabetes due to high sugar content.
Headaches, insomnia, and adverse effects on adolescent health.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day [[2]]. Many energy drinks exceed this limit in a single serving.

The Need for Regulation

Experts advocate for stricter regulations regarding the sale and marketing of energy drinks.proposed measures include:

Preventing sales to individuals under 18 years of age.
Banning sales in schools and universities.
Mandating clear warning labels on packaging.

Healthier Alternatives to Energy Drinks

Most people, particularly young individuals, do not require energy drinks to maintain activity and focus. These can be achieved through proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise. consider these healthy alternatives:

cold water with a slice of lemon.
Fresh,natural juices like lemon,orange,or mint.
Nuts,which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Green tea or natural herbal teas.
Morning exercises and deep breathing techniques.

Pro Tip: Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial for sustained energy levels throughout the day.

The Call for Natural Alternatives and Education

There is a growing need for researchers to develop alternative natural beverages. Extensive media campaigns are also essential to educate families and young people about the risks of energy drinks and the benefits of healthier choices. Moreover, stricter controls on advertising targeting young people are necessary, alongside the promotion of homemade, healthy alternatives.

Comparison of Energy Drinks and Healthy Alternatives
Category	Energy Drinks	Healthy Alternatives
Main Ingredients	Caffeine, Sugar, Artificial Additives	Natural Ingredients (Fruits, Herbs, nuts)
Health Effects	Increased Heart Rate, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbances	Sustained Energy, Improved Hydration, Nutrient intake
Regulation	Limited Regulation, Frequently enough Marketed to Youth	Generally Safe, Encouraged for Overall Health

Are you aware of the sugar content in your favourite energy drink? What steps can schools and parents take to educate children about the dangers of these beverages?