(NewsSpace.com) – Despite the dangers associated with consuming enormous amounts of caffeine, millions of people turn to energy drinks to fuel their days. They’re especially prevalent among those between 30 and 49 years old, according to Statista. The restaurant chain Panera Bread has come under fire recently, with several lawsuits accusing the company of providing a beverage that has killed two customers and led to health complications in others. In the midst of this, it seems like another chain is ignoring the dangers and proceeding with its own energy drink.
Dunkin’ Donuts recently revealed it had released new fruit-flavored drinks labeled SPARKD’ Energy. The product has been compared to Panera’s Charged Lemonade, but the company says its drinks have a lower amount of caffeine, even lower than what’s in their large-size cold brew. The SPARKD’ drinks clock in at 192 mg of caffeine compared to the Charged Lemonade’s up to 236 mg, which were originally listed on the company’s website as containing up to 390 mg.
It’s likely that Dunkin’ released the products to compete with similar offerings on the market and their popularity. Many people drink them instead of coffee to increase their energy levels. However, too much caffeine can be extremely detrimental to one’s health.
One of the most recent lawsuits filed against Panera alleges that drinking the Charged Lemonade led to long-term heart problems. Lauren Skerritt, who is 28 and claims she “was an athlete [who] worked out regularly,” consumed nearly three of the beverages and experienced health complications immediately after.
According to the FDA, rapid consumption of caffeine of up to 1200 mg, which is very possible with fruity drinks, can lead to “toxic effects, like seizures.” They recommend that healthy adults consume no more than 400 mg per day. Additional side effects of too much caffeine consumption include irritability, muscle tremors, increased heart rate, insomnia, and headaches, per the Mayo Clinic.
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