The FDA has posted adverse-event reports for two more energy drinks: 40 illnesses and five deaths linked to Monster Energy, and 13 illnesses and two lasting disabilities linked to Rockstar Energy.

The new reports follow this week’s revelation of FDA reports linking 92 illnesses and 13 deaths to 5-Hour Energy Shots. The FDA previously said it was investigating the deaths linked to Monster Energy.

Read the full WebMD report here

My take: Though I think some of this is overblown media hype, and I doubt there’s a DIRECT link to the energy drink in most of the cases listed, just an easy scapegoat, I DO think the truth lies somewhere beneath the layers.

In moderation these are probably fine, but there are plenty of people out there who rely on 3-4 of these a day just to keep their eyes open. I liken it to putting a band-aid over a deep cut. It temporarily helps mask the symptoms of fatigue, but there’s a deeper underlying problem that needs fixing and until that’s figured out you’ll never feel quite right. Whether that be inadequate rest, nutrition, adrenal fatigue etc., it’s difficult to diagnose at a glance, but the individual needs to narrow it down for themselves and get bloodwork etc. not throw caffeine and stimulants at the problem. The human body is an incredible machine if you let it work…