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FDA investigation for Prime energy drinks leads to safety concerns

19 July 2023 By Jessica Mason

Concerns over the health issues connected to Prime energy drinks have drastically risen worldwide, according to new data.

The energy drink, which was founded by Logan Paul and KSI, exploded onto the global drinks scene before quickly garnered a following via YouTube and according to sources, contains 200mg of caffeine per can – equal to the caffeine content of about two cans of Red Bull or six cans of Coke.

The public anxiety allegedly heightened following a recent call from US senator Chuck Schumer’s to enlist the FDA to investigate Prime. A move that has led to a 2400% surge in Google searches for “Prime drink caffeine” and a 1900% surge in searchers for “Prime drink side effects”.

According to an analysis of Google search data, online searches for the drink have seen a huge surge globally after the US senator called Prime a “serious health concern”.

Data commissioned by wellness experts at Zevo Health revealed that searches for “Prime drink caffeine content” saw an uplift of 3233% just 24 hours after the US senator’s call for an FDA investigation and has indicated a rising public curiosity and growing unease regarding the drink’s potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.

The data also showed that searches for “Prime drink side effects” and “Prime drink harmful” increased by 1900% and 566%, respectively within 24 hours, as people tried to figure out the side effects related to the energy drink. In addition to overall searches about Prime energy drinks, specific queries related to FDA have, according to sources, gained substantial traction.

Searches for “Prime drink investigation” and “FDA Prime drink” have witnessed a remarkable 809% and 1566% surge in the last 24 hours, as online searchers are curious to know whether there will be an investigation.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Michelle Teo, health and wellbeing director at Zevo Health said: “The level of caffeine present in these beverages can pose significant risks for certain individuals, particularly children who might have an undetected heart condition.”

Teo outlined that the drinks, which were hugely popular with children, could lead to further problems.

Teo explained: “Although there is no set recommendation for a child’s caffeine intake, 200mg is a significant amount and can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression as well as linked physical health problems. While caffeine can enhance performance for athletes aged over 18, the excessive quantities found in these beverages suggest the availability of more suitable alternatives for consuming caffeine in proper doses.”

The owners of Prime have been contacted by db for comment, but as yet have remained silent on the issue.

Energy drinks brands, such as Red Bull and Monster, which have not always been immediately positioned within the drinks industry as mixers or variants have, over time, been adopted by the pub and bar sector due to their popularity and broad demographic appeal.

This year, Monster Beverage Corporation launched an alcoholic variant named The Beast Unleashed, made using “malt alcohol” and weighing in at 6% ABV.

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