Alcohol with a caffeine kick: Drinks like Four Loko come under scrutiny

The Food and Drug Administration has been eying the safety of caffeinated alcoholic drinks like Four Loko, which reportedly sent nine students at Central Washington University to the hospital. The FDA warned manufacturers last November about the safety and legality of the drinks.

“The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible,” Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs, said in a statement at the time.

The culprit in the recent incident has been identified as Four Loko, a potent mix of alcohol and caffeine sometimes referred to as “blackout in a can.” But Four Loko isn’t alone; check out a list of similar drinks on the FDA’s radar here.

The Food Safety News website isn’t a fan of the potent brew.

“According to experts and legislators, the health and safety concerns are extensive.

“First, studies show that consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages in college students is associated with significantly increased heavy episodic drinking and episodes of weekly drunkenness. Studies also show that increased exposure to alcohol during the development stages of adolescence and young adulthood will increase the risk for alcohol-related problems later in life. This is significant because experts estimate that the combined use of caffeine and alcohol in U.S. college students is as high as 28 percent.

“Second, caffeine may lead people to underestimate how drunk they are, giving drinkers a false sense of sobriety.” For the complete story, go to “FDA: Caffeine and alcohol don’t mix.”

For more information, check out the KTLA video.

-- Mary Forgione / Los Angeles Times