Warning over energy drink mixes

The makers of Red Bull have defended their product

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- So-called "energy" drinks should not be mixed with alcohol or used as thirst-quenchers, Sweden's National Food Administration has said.

The recommendation comes after reports linked the drinking of the mixtures, which contain high doses of caffeine and taurine, to one death. Newspapers in Sweden have reported three deaths as being possibly caused by the popular drink.

Dr. Mikael Lehtihet said the high doses of caffeine cause heart palpitations, breathing problems and even death.

"And these effects seem to be worse when combining these drinks with coffee," he said.

There are about 70 energy drinks available in Sweden. They contain higher amounts of caffeine or taurine than available in other beverages.

Swedish media reports said two people died after mixing the energy drinks with alcohol, while a third person died of kidney failure after exercising and consuming the drinks.

The energy drink Red Bull is banned for sale in Norway and Denmark.

The administration said last year that there was no evidence that taurine, an amino-acid, was harmful, but there was also no proof that it was safe for consumption in high doses over long periods of time.

In 1996, the NFA approved the sale of energy drinks with the requirement that they be labelled, warning, "Children, pregnant women and people sensitive to caffeine are advised not to use this drink."

A spokeswoman for Red Bull, quoted in the UK Times newspaper, said the drink was safe and that the company had conducted "rigorous scientific testing" before the drink went on the market.