Valley Experts Warn of Energy Drink Health Risks

Amid a lawsuit over a teen's death, medical professionals caution about long-term effects of energy drink consumption.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of an energy drink can, revealing its internal structure and ingredients as glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the hidden health dangers of these beverages.A cautionary X-ray view of an energy drink's internal contents, exposing the potential health risks hidden within its alluring packaging.Harrisonburg Today

Health experts in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley are warning about the serious health issues that can result from consuming energy drinks, including heart palpitations, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. The warnings come amid a lawsuit alleging that Alani Nu energy drinks caused the death of a 17-year-old in Texas.

Why it matters

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular, especially among young people, but their high caffeine content and other ingredients can pose significant health risks. This story highlights the need for greater awareness and caution around energy drink consumption, particularly among students and young adults who may rely on them to stay alert.

The details

Sheila Higdon, a family nurse practitioner at Sentara Mount Jackson Health Center, said energy drinks can contribute to serious health issues like heart palpitations, heart attacks, strokes, and in rare cases, death. She recommends alternatives like taking walks and exercising to boost energy levels. At James Madison University, students had mixed views, with one saying he sometimes drinks four energy drinks a day despite knowing it's unhealthy, while another felt the packaging of Alani Nu drinks could distract from potentially dangerous ingredients.

  • The lawsuit alleging Alani Nu energy drinks caused a 17-year-old's death was filed recently in Texas.

The players

Sheila Higdon

A family nurse practitioner at Sentara Mount Jackson Health Center who warned about the health risks of energy drinks.

Kenneth Talasta

A JMU student who said he sometimes consumes four energy drinks a day, despite knowing it's unhealthy.

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What they’re saying

“One way you can replace your caffeine is by going for walks and exercising — it can be a good solution for giving yourself more energy.”

— Sheila Higdon, Family Nurse Practitioner

“I know it's bad for me, but with school, it gets stressful trying to stay awake.”

— Kenneth Talasta, JMU Student

The takeaway

This story highlights the need for greater awareness and caution around energy drink consumption, particularly among young people, as the high caffeine content and other ingredients can pose serious health risks, including heart problems and even death.