Energy drinks tied to dozens of adverse reactions in Canada

Health Canada has received 86 reports of adverse reactions to energy drinks, at a time when U.S. regulators are investigating 13 deaths possibly related to energy "shots" in that country.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 92 reports that cite illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths after people consumed 5-Hour Energy.

"There are two 5-Hour Energy products that are permitted for sale in Canada," Sean Upton, senior media relations officer for Health Canada, said in an email to CBC News. "They are 5-hour Energy Extra Strength (en-140564) and 5-hour Energy Regular Strength (EN-140566)."

Both products need to be labelled with information including each medicinal ingredient, he added.

Health Canada's database of adverse reactions started in 1965 but the energy products have only been on the market in recent years.

Doctors in Nova Scotia are recommending a ban on the sale of energy drinks to anyone under age 19.

Earlier, the FDA also received reports that cited the highly caffeinated Monster Energy Drink in five deaths and one non-fatal heart attack. 

No deaths linked to products

Health Canada recommends adults have no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, equal to roughly two of the 5-Hour Energy drinks.

"If someone is thinking about taking one of these products, they should consult with their health-care provider to ensure that there are no underlying or undiagnosed medical conditions that could worsen as a result of using them," FDA spokeswoman Shelly Burgess said.

Elaine Lutz, spokeswoman for Michigan-based Living Essentials, LLC, advises consumers to drink no more than two bottles of 5-Hour Energy shots a day, spaced several hours apart, and for new consumers to drink half a bottle to start.

Lutz said in a statement that the company is not aware of any deaths proven to have been caused by their product.

Last month, Monster Energy said in a statement that it stands by its products.