MIAMI: A coffee, a caffeinated and an energy soda proved a deadly combination for a South Carolina teenager who died within two hours of consuming them, triggering warnings about the risks of caffeine overdose. "While adults should be mindful of their caffeine consumption, it's important for parents to know the risks of children and adolescents consuming caffeine," Jill Michels of the Palmetto Poison Center said in a statement. "Take the time to talk with your children about the dangers of caffeinated drinks . "At a news conference on Monday, the boy's father said his son was very careful about drugs and alcohol.However, "it wasn't a car crash that took his life. Instead, it was an energy drink," Sean Cripe said.While energy drinks account for just a small segment of the non-alcoholic beverages industry, they are very popular with young people Health experts have expressed concern about the drinks' high caffeine content, which can cause arrhythmia and raise blood pressure in young people.Energy drinks can contain up to 240 mg of caffeine, according to a 2012 Consumer Reports study.

Source: Economic Times May 17, 2017 00:45 UTC