WHY LIMIT YOUR TEEN'S ENERGY DRINK USE? READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE!

Energy drink banned after Colorado teens sickened
By CHASE SQUIRES The Associated Press
DENVER — A high school banned a caffeine-packed energy drink and 7-Eleven pulled it from Colorado stores after some students said it made them sick and shaky and caused their hearts to race.
About six students became sick in the past two weeks and two were hospitalized after drinking Spike Shooter, made by Biotest Laboratories. All recovered within hours, said Dennis Vigil, assistant principal at Doherty High School in Colorado Springs.
A warning on the can says the drink isn't meant for anyone younger than 18, said Biotest spokesman Tom DeNardin. The drink contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as two to three five-ounce cups of coffee. "It's not targeted at all toward high school [students]," DeNardin said.
7-Eleven pulled the drink from all 222 of its company-owned stores in Colorado after the school asked nearby stores to limit sales to students, spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said. The corporation had never recommended Spike Shooter to its stores and it was not distributed by the company's approved suppliers.
A company Web site says Spike Shooter contains 300 milligrams of caffeine per 8.4 ounces. A five-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 115 milligrams of caffeine, according to the London-based International Coffee Organization.
The Web site carries a warning suggesting consumers "Begin use with one-half can to determine tolerance." At the top of the cans a warning says consumers should "Read label before drinking."
The Web site says Spike Shooter should not be consumed by people taking certain other medications or if they have high blood pressure or a number of other conditions. It adds, "Keep out of reach of children."
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company