Energy Drink Kidney Failure Risk Result in Lawsuit Against Monster Energy
After regularly drinking four cans of Monster Energy per day, a lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of the popular beverage alleges that side effects of the energy drink caused kidney failure among an Arizona man.
The complaint was filed against Monster Beverage Corp. by Robert Grim, who indicates that he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure from Monster energy, and now requires dialysis treatment and is awaiting a kidney transplant, according to a report by The Daily Beast.
Grim claims that he consumed about four cans of Monster Energy every day for about 10 years, which is not uncommon given the manufacturer’s aggressive marketing of the highly caffeinated beverage in a manner that has led many consumers to believe it is the same as a common soft drink or cup of coffee. However, each can actually contains substantially higher levels of caffeine and other stimulants, which have been linked to an increasing number of reports involving severe health risks from energy drinks.
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Learn MoreIn December 2014, Grim indicates that he was driving to work when he began to feel ill and had to pull over. His condition gradually worsened and he was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure from Monster Energy, according to the lawsuit.
The case is one of a growing number of lawsuits over Monster Energy and other popular energy drinks, such as Red Bull, Rockstar and others, which allege that manufacturers failed to warn about the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems and sudden death linked to the beverages.
The Monster Energy kidney failure lawsuit accuses the manufacturer of designing and distributing a defective and unreasonably dangerous product, withholding risk information from consumers and dodging FDA regulations for years, by classifying the drink as a dietary supplement.
As a result of the effort to escape FDA oversight for years, Monster Energy drinks were never adequately tested and did not provide proper warnings about the potential health risks for years, according to the lawsuit.
Following concerns about the health risks, and heavy criticism from consumer advocates, Monster agreed to market it as a beverage regulated by the FDA in 2013, however serious questions have been raised about the safety of the drink and the lack of sufficient warnings for consumers.
Energy drink manufacturers have compared the amount of caffeine in their products to that of hot beverages sold in coffee houses, but the products are often packaged in very large sizes and they are not sold in controlled environments like coffee shops, which typically would not serve young children.
Monster, Rockstar, Red Bull and other popular energy drinks are widely available in convenience stores, often located next to traditional soft drinks and packaged in very similar cans.
Although most individuals believe them to be safe, often consuming large numbers of the energy drinks in short periods of times, many contain pharmaceutical grade caffeine and additional caffeine from other natural sources. This much caffeine in one serving can cause a person’s heart to beat rapidly, increase blood pressure, or other nervous, digestive or cardiovascular system side effects, health experts warn.
Some energy drinks in many of the popular lines contain up to 400 mg of caffeine per can. In comparison, a cup of coffee typically has around 100 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine poisoning can occur in adults at levels higher than 400 mg a day; however children under 12 can experience caffeine poisoning at only 2.5 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight.
The FDA is currently investigating health concerns surrounding the drinks, after a number of adverse event reports were submitted in recent years connecting energy drinks to severe injuries and deaths.
Amid aggressive marketing by the manufacturers, energy drink sales increased 240% between 2004 and 2009, and the number of caffeine overdose emergency room visits increased from 1,128 in 2005 to 16,055 in 2008. Approximately 56% of those visits involved individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 years.
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16 Comments
DingusMarch 22, 2022 at 10:56 am
Two a day for fifteen years. I only drink those and water. Nothing else. I’d say most of the time you hear of these health issues is because “I only drink one a day” and they omit how they drink very little water. Drink colas, tea, and coffee. Probably in conjunction with a high fatty diet and, either, little to no physical activity or doing some hard workout during or immediately after consumi[Show More]Two a day for fifteen years. I only drink those and water. Nothing else. I’d say most of the time you hear of these health issues is because “I only drink one a day” and they omit how they drink very little water. Drink colas, tea, and coffee. Probably in conjunction with a high fatty diet and, either, little to no physical activity or doing some hard workout during or immediately after consuming it.
NeedleJuly 7, 2021 at 9:06 am
For about 4 days a week, I use to drink one Monster in a day, (4 days a week). I had such a hard time staying awake otherwise, always falling asleep. I never drank more than one in a day but I have pain in my sides too when I try to drink an energy drink now, so I did quit a while back and had to quit caffeine altogether too, my body hates it now (I also can't tolerate alcohol now too). I wonder[Show More]For about 4 days a week, I use to drink one Monster in a day, (4 days a week). I had such a hard time staying awake otherwise, always falling asleep. I never drank more than one in a day but I have pain in my sides too when I try to drink an energy drink now, so I did quit a while back and had to quit caffeine altogether too, my body hates it now (I also can't tolerate alcohol now too). I wonder if it's all the caffeine, since, even the sugar-free drinks hurt me. I wasn't the healthiest person too, but I didn't know that at the time lol I was under severe stress including PTSD and also wasn't getting enough nutrition, my digestive system was messed up etc. Those are important factors. I'm going to do a test soon to see if it was the caffeine
MikeMarch 9, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Lol. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that energy drinks or soda are bad for you. 1 or 2 a day is absolutely horrendously bad for you. Does anyone know how much sugar that is? That's absolutely horrible for you!
BerniceNovember 5, 2020 at 6:52 am
I have q&a that my older sister family members working full time at a window and has the high heat full on high and the person drinking a lot energy drink been in out of hospital was told from energy drinks was needed for long long hours under heated windows fast food order but need the jobs cannot get sick leave very concerning.
NatalieOctober 11, 2020 at 8:20 am
Yes, now they say consume no more than 1-2 a day but that was not always the case.
JinayaJune 3, 2020 at 8:30 am
Maybe I'm confused but it says one a day. You do that to yourself. One a day is clearly enough to damage your body so to drink 4 a day. A dumb ass like that shouldn't be able to file a lawsuit considering their ignorance towards their own health.
PeytonFebruary 11, 2020 at 2:07 am
I started drinking one monster a day while I was in nursing school 6 years ago. In those 6 years I've stopped twice for over a year both times while I was pregnant and breastfeeding. A few months ago I had the worst pain imaginable from a size 14 kidney stone that required 2 surgeries to remove it. A few weeks ago my bp spiked to 220/130, (I found out at a routine check-up with my Dr) and they cou[Show More]I started drinking one monster a day while I was in nursing school 6 years ago. In those 6 years I've stopped twice for over a year both times while I was pregnant and breastfeeding. A few months ago I had the worst pain imaginable from a size 14 kidney stone that required 2 surgeries to remove it. A few weeks ago my bp spiked to 220/130, (I found out at a routine check-up with my Dr) and they couldn't figure out why I wasn't having a stroke until they asked me if I drink monsters. Needless to say, even if you stick to the "1-2cans a day" or the "it won't happen to me" mentality like I had until a few months ago.... it doesn't matter. It can happen to you at some point. My kidneys are currently failing, and unfortunately monsters which were my savior through nursing school, and my nursing career so far have become my worst enemy.
StevenJanuary 31, 2020 at 3:13 am
One of my coworkers got me to try monster, I began drinking 3 every night to stay awake during my 12 hour overnight shift. My kidneys gave out in 2018. It was after that that I saw a video of a mechanic using monster to clean his work bench. It was then’ that I realized it was monster that killed my kidneys. I’ve been on dialysis since it happened. Anyone drinking this should stop. Dialysis takes [Show More]One of my coworkers got me to try monster, I began drinking 3 every night to stay awake during my 12 hour overnight shift. My kidneys gave out in 2018. It was after that that I saw a video of a mechanic using monster to clean his work bench. It was then’ that I realized it was monster that killed my kidneys. I’ve been on dialysis since it happened. Anyone drinking this should stop. Dialysis takes over your life and you will hate it. But if you don’t do it you could be dead in 10 days. If you are lucky maybe you will get a new kidney from a donor that may last 7 to 15 years. But don’t count on it.
JoeyDecember 10, 2019 at 3:04 pm
I drank Monster energy drinks for 12 years, 6 a day. I recently stopped because I am trying to be healthier in my food choices and it certainly is a lot of sugar. I have had no kidney pain or any of the related issues I've read about here and elsewhere. I don't see how they are related.
DavidSeptember 10, 2019 at 4:17 pm
I worked as an E-Tech in the oil field business for a year. We would frequently drink energy drinks throughout the day to keep alert during our 12-16 hour shifts. After a year of doing this I became lightheaded and began to ha e abdominal pain. Now, 2 years later, I am in poor health with heart failure and kidney disease.
NoneAugust 21, 2019 at 8:02 am
Were your kidneys damaged?
EmmaMay 13, 2018 at 7:13 am
I, too, have consumed Monster energy drinks for about 6 months. I stopped drinking them when my kidneys started hurting. I also drank up to 6 bottles of water in conjunction with the 1-2 cans a day. I vowed never to drink them again. Unfortunately, my friend gave me a cold drink in a glass that I though was sprit. After taking 2 swallows those old memories of kidney pains started to service. My s[Show More]I, too, have consumed Monster energy drinks for about 6 months. I stopped drinking them when my kidneys started hurting. I also drank up to 6 bottles of water in conjunction with the 1-2 cans a day. I vowed never to drink them again. Unfortunately, my friend gave me a cold drink in a glass that I though was sprit. After taking 2 swallows those old memories of kidney pains started to service. My sides started to hurt. Of course i asked her what did she give me. After inspecting the bottle it read "Mutant super soda, white lightening, zero sugar with the Monster logo in the center. I was mortified. It was too late to say " I don't drink those anymore." I was already hurting. Im drinking tons of water to flush it out of my system. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday. I am really hoping that my kidneys are not damaged.
AngelSeptember 10, 2017 at 6:55 am
It's all good until it's your kidneys that are failing, then you will be singing another tune. You have drank 2 a day for years, you can guarantee that you will have side effects at some point. That is way too much. You think others should know better but it's the pot calling the kettle black. You don't think it would happen to you and if it did, then you wouldn't think it was your fault because y[Show More]It's all good until it's your kidneys that are failing, then you will be singing another tune. You have drank 2 a day for years, you can guarantee that you will have side effects at some point. That is way too much. You think others should know better but it's the pot calling the kettle black. You don't think it would happen to you and if it did, then you wouldn't think it was your fault because you only drank "two a day for years". Anything that we consume should not be harmful to us. Companies should not market products as performance enhancers if they will eventually and inevitably land you in the hospital when consumed in large amounts for an extended period of time. How can you defend a corporation that is feeding you poison? Yet you are willing to call others stupid for consuming too much of the product, as if your 2 a day habit is much healthier and better informed. That's ridiculous.
TatanyaJuly 6, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Monster energy drinks are bad for business
AshleyJune 17, 2017 at 2:12 pm
This is where people don't get it and are ignorant. They say if you have sensitivity to caffeine or heart problems or any other health issues SHOULD NOT CONSUME ENERGY DRINKS!!! it's not the company's fault that people don't listen, don't read labels, and don't take warnings. They are not dangerous drinks if consumed as directed. No more then 2 a day, now I have been drinking monsters for years 1-[Show More]This is where people don't get it and are ignorant. They say if you have sensitivity to caffeine or heart problems or any other health issues SHOULD NOT CONSUME ENERGY DRINKS!!! it's not the company's fault that people don't listen, don't read labels, and don't take warnings. They are not dangerous drinks if consumed as directed. No more then 2 a day, now I have been drinking monsters for years 1-2 a day and I have no side effects from it. I also drink water as well with it. Don't blame the company for your stupidity. They give warnings, there are warnings out there. there is ingredient labels so people can read and see if this drink is right for you don't be lazy and read the labels simple right? Do people listen no. Just like cigarette s there are warnings with that. there is health risks with that as well do people listen and take the warnings no they don't it's your choice not the company's they make it and sell it and it's up to the people the choices they make of how to consume it. I'm a HUGE monster energy fan I love there drinks and I'm gonna continue to consume moderately and directed BY THE COMPANY!!! so they can stay in busy and keep providing this drink for the people who do listen. MANY LOVES TO MONSTER ENERGY!!!!!! I'll fight to keep these drinks going.
TeresaMay 5, 2017 at 10:30 pm
My son started drinking monster drinks everyday when he was a freshman to Senior fear in Highschool. The first time I got a call to get him to the hospital cause he was throwing up green stuff and in pain.They couldn't figure out what was going on. He was a football player, track and summer volleyball player. He ended up in the hospital a couple more times and in his freshman year of college, t[Show More]My son started drinking monster drinks everyday when he was a freshman to Senior fear in Highschool. The first time I got a call to get him to the hospital cause he was throwing up green stuff and in pain.They couldn't figure out what was going on. He was a football player, track and summer volleyball player. He ended up in the hospital a couple more times and in his freshman year of college, the doctor said his kidneys were an issue. Another doctor said he was to young to have the issues he had and my son had high blood pressure. My son is in stage 3 and has all kinds of medication. There is no history of kidney problems and I am angry at myself for providing him with these monster drinks before and after games,track meets,and thinking it would help his performance in the Texas heat. These drinks need to be stopped.I was not informed about the contents and what the ramifications would be.I should have been protecting my son, not giving him toxic drinks.