Curbing the caffeine in energy drinks

Energy Drinks come in all shapes and sizes and have various levels of caffeine.

New rules that come into effect at the end of the year will require manufacturers of energy drinks in Canada to limit the caffeine per serving to a maximum of 180 milligrams.

Consumer Reports Magazine recently analyzed the caffeine content of 27 top-selling energy drinks in the U.S and found that even when energy drinks listed the amount of caffeine, it was not always accurate.

"Some of the energy drinks underestimated the amount of caffeine listed on the label by 20 percent or more," said Gayle Williams of Consumer reports.

Currently, there is no limit for caffeine content in energy drinks in the United States.

In Canada, the new rules also require drink companies to display warnings about the high caffeine levels.

The American FDA is investigating reports of five deaths that are believed to be linked to energy drinks.

The effects of caffeine are not always serious but it can cause health problems in some people.

“It causes most people's heart to speed up. It can get in the way of sleep because caffeine is a stimulant. It can also affect the gut so people if they take a lot of caffeine can get diarrhea or it can cause stomach pains,” said Dr. Karen Leslie.

Under the new rules Canadian manufacturers also have to report any incident received through a consumer complaint.