Red Bull says it “gives us wings.” Researchers from the University of Miami beg to differ on that point—and they say it and other energy drinks may give some users a whole host of problems. According to research, recently published in Pediatrics, energy drinks are extraordinarily popular with teens and young adults. More than half of college students say they’ve consumed at least one such beverage in the last month, and the majority of those users say they drink them several times a week. Many say they use them in order to stay awake or give them extra pep for the day (or night). According to Steven Lipshultz, chair of pediatrics for the University of Miami’s School of Medicine, “We didn’t see evidence that drinks have beneficial effects in improving energy, weight loss, stamina, athletic performance and concentration. The study did find that such drinks—some of which have three to five times the amount of caffeine found in a can of soda—can exacerbate cardiac problems in users (particularly those who have eating disorders). They also note that in countries where caffeine is a regulated (and thus a better studied) substance, doctors report that too much caffeine can cause liver and kidney damage, seizures and confusion. (USA Today, L.A. Times)