Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When it's late and you want a pick-me-up, a hyper-caffeinated energy drink might appeal more than an espresso. But their makers face a serious setback, as the United States' Food and Drug Agency (FDA) is investigating links between Monster, which contains three times more caffeine than an 8-ounce can of Red Bull, and the deaths of five people in the last year.
Reports were released under the Freedom of Information Act after the mother of one Maryland teenager filed a lawsuit against Monster, alleging that her daughter died after drinking two large cans of the hyper-caffeinated beverage. The official autopsy said the cause of death was "cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity".
Monster denies any blame, saying the company has sold 8 billion energy drinks over the past 16 years, with no proof tying them to any fatalities. Energy drinks are currently allowed higher levels of caffeine as they are sold as dietary supplements, not sodas.
But US Senator Dick Durbin wants to limit these levels because emergency room visits related to energy drinks soared 10-fold between 2005 and 2009 - although half of these involved drugs or alcohol too.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments