Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a student from Weslaco High School in Texas in the United States, died in October last year.
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A family is taking legal action against an energy drink company after their 17-year-old daughter died from an enlarged heart, allegedly due to excessive caffeine consumption.
Her family is seeking more than $1 million (around R16 544 584) in damages from the distribution company, suing for wrongful death.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a student at Weslaco High School in Texas, United States, died in October last year. According to NBC News, she ingested large amounts of caffeine, which led to her heart becoming enlarged.
Her family’s legal team, led by Benny Agosto Jr., said the teen cheerleader consumed a large number of Alani Nu energy drinks.
According to NBC News, the drink did not carry adequate warnings about the potential health risks. The report also stated that the teenager had no prior heart problems or existing heart-related conditions.
Larissa first saw Alani Nu advertised on social media and, before long, began consuming a can a day — sometimes more. She also drank a can before and during sports activities, according to Agosto.
In its defence, Alani Nu said its products comply with applicable federal labelling requirements. The company added that its products are not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.
According to a 2022 study by the South African Medical Research Council, energy drink consumption has sharply increased in South Africa, with an alarming number of high school learners admitting to drinking them regularly, some even daily.
Last year, a South African 17-year-old suffered a heart attack. In an interview with Heart FM, the boy said his doctor believed the cause was linked to energy drink consumption.
According to Dr Shane Rosenberg, an emergency centre GP at Mediclinic Legae and Muelmed in Pretoria, the most vulnerable age group for energy drink consumption is between 13 and 34.
“This is due to higher consumption rates, vulnerability to caffeine’s stimulatory effects, and an increased likelihood of combining energy drinks with alcohol or other substances,” Rosenberg said.
He explained that these groups are more prone to neurological issues and dependence.
According to Rosenberg, the stimulants in energy drinks can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to overconsumption, impaired judgment, and risky behaviour.
“This combination increases the likelihood of accidents, dehydration, and heart problems. Psychologically, it can exacerbate anxiety, impair judgment, and contribute to emotional instability. Long-term, it can also lead to addiction, cardiovascular issues, and mood disorders,” he said.
For severe symptoms, such as seizures, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.