A doctor is warning Barbadians to stay away from high-energy drinks, the type now the focus of the United States consumer watchdog.
Dr Adrian Lorde, who also serves on the World Anti-Doping Association, said that he had always been concerned about the energy drinks.
His comments came in the wake of a probe by the United States-based Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) into reports that at least five people died after consuming the highly caffeinated Monster Energy drink.
Ricky Nurse, divisional director for Brydens Stokes, the local agents for the beverage, said via email: “Brydens Stokes Limited will continue to import the brand while our supplier continues their assessment of the reported incidents.”
But Lorde said the drinks, of which there are several types, are being abused by consumers who are mixing them with alcohol and making the situation worse.
“A number of people are abusing them, using them in large quantity and not eating properly. The public should be aware that [the drinks] have a high concentration of caffeine and they can cause cardiac arrhythmia,” he said. (AC)
