Energy drinks like Rockstar, Red Bull, and Monster Energy contain niacin (Vitamin B3). Hepatitis and liver inflammation have occurred in people who consumed toxic doses of niacin in energy drinks.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with toxic hepatitis from an energy drink, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Dangers of Energy Drinks
Unlike Coca-Cola, energy drinks are not regulated as food. Instead they are regulated as dietary supplements — like vitamins, minerals, and botanical herbs. Over 50% of all Americans regularly consume supplements. Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements do not have to be proven safe before they are allowed on the market. Supplements are rarely recalled, and only after causing serious side effects.
Report Links Energy Drinks and Hepatitis
In November 2016, BMJ Case Reports described the case of a healthy 50 year-old construction worker who developed sudden liver inflammation (acute non-viral hepatitis) from energy drinks. The name of the energy drink was not disclosed, but it contained 40mg of niacin. The man drank 4 or 5 cans a day for three weeks to get through his labor-intensive workday — about 160-200mg of niacin.
Can Niacin Cause Liver Damage?
Yes. At high doses, niacin accumulates in the liver and causes toxic hepatitis. However, his doctors were initially perplexed. He had no other risk-factors besides testing positive for Hepatitis C, but biopsies showed that his liver was suddenly inflamed due to toxins, not a virus. The major clue was blood tests — Vitamin B and folic acid levels “exceeded quantifiable limits,” according to the researchers. He was consuming up to 10X the recommended daily limit of niacin.
Another Report Links Niacin Energy Drinks and Liver Damage
In another case report from 2011, a 22-year old female who consumed 10 energy drinks every day for two weeks was also diagnosed with acute non-viral hepatitis. Her doctors concluded that 300mg of niacin per day was likely responsible for her liver problems.
What Energy Drinks Contain Niacin?
Niacin in found in Monster Energy, Rockstar, Red Bull, and many other energy drinks. It is not always on the label and the amount may be inaccurate. It may be hidden in a “proprietary blend” of B-vitamins.
What is Niacin?
Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient that helps the body convert food into energy. The maximum recommended daily dose is 20mg in a healthy adult. Higher doses increase the risk of acute hepatitis or liver failure.
Niacin Liver Toxicity
Niacin is toxic to the liver, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Even normal doses can cause mild-to-moderate elevations in liver enzyme levels in blood — a symptom of liver toxicity. High doses of niacin can cause sudden liver failure or death. Taking niacin with other B vitamins, alcohol, or supplements increases these risks.
What Dose of Niacin is Toxic?
Niacin doses between 150mg and 300mg per day have been linked to acute hepatitis. Lower doses could also be dangerous, especially for people who are young, pregnant, low body-weight, on certain medications, or have other risk-factors for liver damage. Higher doses can cause sudden and severe liver injuries.
What is Acute Non-Viral Hepatitis?
Acute non-viral hepatitis, also known as “toxic hepatitis,” is a sudden inflammation in the liver due to poisonous substances in the blood. It can be caused by medications, supplements, alcohol, or other harmful chemicals. Symptoms can appear within days or take a few months.
Symptoms of Toxic Hepatitis
- Flu-like illness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark-colored urine
- White or clay-colored stools
- Itching and rash
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with toxic hepatitis from an energy drink, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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