5-hour Energy Linked to 13 Deaths

The makers of 5-hour Energy are in the headlines again.

In an article published today in The New York Times it found, “Federal officials have received reports of 13 deaths over the last four years that cited the possible involvement of 5-Hour Energy.”

5-hour Energy comes in a two-ounce bottle and can be found in gas stations, convenience stores and grocery shops across the United States.

The company behind the product claim:

5-hour ENERGY is a liquid energy shot that can help you feel sharp and alert for hours. It contains a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids and nutrients. There is zero sugar, zero herbal stimulants and four calories. Original 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain about as much caffeine as a cup of premium coffee. An Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY® shot contains about as much caffeine as 12 ounces of coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine try a Decaf 5-hour ENERGY® shot. It contains only as much caffeine as a half cup of decaffeinated coffee.

Despite the claims above, 5-hour Energy does not need to show any factual or scientific evidence that these claims are true. This is because makers of dietary supplements are not required to do so by the FDA.

It was earlier this year we report the US Army withdrawn all dietary supplements that contained DMAA from their military bases. This meant products such as Jack3d and OxyELITE Pro were all removed, after two soldiers died after suffering heart attacks during fitness exercises.

Check out the Consumer Reports video below in which they dissect a recent advertisement by 5-hour Energy.

Let us know what you think. Do you take any of these products and if so how do you find them?