Sure, you might think this week’s explosion of tests, group projects and papers are going to be the cause of your early demise. But it’s that four-pack of 5-Hour Energy you just drank that might actually kill you.
According to a series of Food and Drug Administration reports obtained by the New York Times, 5-Hour Energy was cited to have possibly been involved in 13 deaths over the past four years.
It has also been mentioned in some 90 F.D.A. filings since 2009, including more than 30 that involved serious or life-threatening injuries like heart attacks, convulsions and, in one case, a spontaneous abortion, the NY Times reports.
The F.D.A. acknowledged last month that another popular supplement, Monster Energy, was also possibly involved in five deaths.
While none of this information is conclusive, it should make you stop and wonder: What, exactly, are you putting into your body? Is that buzz you get from your favorite energy supplement worth the risk, or should you try more natural methods to stay awake while you’re cramming for a test?
Or better yet, should we actually be responsible students, and stay on top of our school work so that we don’t have to pull all-nighters? Just kidding… that’s never gonna happen.
Counting finals week, there are a little more than three weeks left in the semester. Hang in there, Rams, try to get some sleep and do your best to be a responsible consumer if you do decide that a serious caffeine fix is what it’ll take to make it through the semester — or Thanksgiving with your family.
Be careful these next few weeks, and not to quote “High School Musical” or anything, but remember: We’re all in this together. Be safe, and have a great break!
