More Than a Number: I Was a Med Student Running on Fumes Until I Learned the Truth About Caffeine, Burnout, and How to Calibrate My Body Like a High-Performance Engine

The fluorescent lights of the hospital ward have a way of bleaching time, turning night into a pale, sterile imitation of day.

As a medical resident, I lived in that bleached-out world, a ghost fueled by adrenaline and, more often than not, the familiar tropical citrus and mango-passionfruit notes of a NOS Energy Drink.¹

I was a student of human physiology, yet I treated my own body like a stubborn machine.

My operating theory was dangerously simple: fatigue was a problem, and caffeine was the solution.

More fatigue required more caffeine.

It was a flawed equation I pursued with the kind of reckless abandon only the chronically sleep-deprived can muster.

The breaking point didn’t come as a gentle warning.

It was a system-wide crash during morning rounds.

I was presenting a complex patient case to a team of attending physicians—the titans of my small universe.

Mid-sentence, it happened.

A sudden, jarring palpitation, my heart hammering against my ribs in a frantic, unsynchronized rhythm.

My hands, which I relied upon for delicate procedures, began to tremble uncontrollably.

A wave of anxiety, cold and sharp, washed over me, and a thick fog descended on my thoughts.

I couldn’t recall the patient’s latest lab values, the name of their primary medication, the very details I had spent hours memorizing.

I stood there, mute and humiliated, the can of “high performance energy” I’d chugged an hour earlier feeling less like fuel and more like poison.

That moment of critical failure was my rock bottom.

It forced me to question everything I thought I knew about energy and performance, and to look beyond the promises on the can to the complex science within it.

The Epiphany: It’s Not a Drink, It’s Engine Fuel

In the aftermath of that humiliating episode, I became obsessed.

I dove into pharmacology texts, medical journals, and consumer reports, trying to understand the mechanism of my own breakdown.

The real epiphany, however, came from an unexpected place: the branding of the very product that had pushed me over the edge.

NOS Energy Drink is inextricably linked to automotive culture, its name licensed from Holley Performance Products, a manufacturer of nitrous oxide injection systems for race cars.²

Its marketing is saturated with images of motorsports, from NASCAR to drifting, all centered on the concept of “human horsepower”.⁴

That’s when it clicked.

I had been asking the wrong question.

It wasn’t just “how much caffeine is in it?” The real question was the one a race engineer would ask: “What is the precise fuel composition, and how do I calibrate it for my specific engine and the demands of the race?” I had been pouring high-octane racing fuel into a daily driver and wondering why the engine was sputtering, overheating, and on the verge of seizing.

This shift in perspective—from a passive consumer to the chief engineer of my own physiology—gave me a new paradigm for understanding not just NOS, but the entire landscape of energy drinks.

Deconstructing the Fuel Can: A Pharmacologist’s Guide to NOS

Viewing the can through the lens of an engine component analysis reveals why these drinks are so potent and their effects so precarious.

It’s a system of an ignition spark, a complex fuel blend, and a high-octane problem that most consumers overlook.

The Ignition Spark: A Definitive Guide to NOS Caffeine Content

The primary question for most users is about the main stimulant: caffeine.

However, navigating the information online can be confusing, a phenomenon I call the “Formulation Fog.” Different retailers and databases often report conflicting numbers, which can be dangerously misleading.

This confusion arises from a combination of older formulations, regional product variations, and inconsistent labeling by third-party sellers.

An unsuspecting consumer could easily ingest 100 mg more caffeine than intended, a significant dose that could push them from a state of alertness into one of anxiety and cardiovascular stress.⁸

After a thorough review of official brand sources and nutritional databases, the current caffeine content for the primary NOS product lines is as follows:

NOS Product (16 fl oz can)	Caffeine Content (mg)	Data Sources
NOS Original	160 mg	1
NOS GT Grape	160 mg	11
NOS Zero Sugar	200 mg	13
NOS Product (24 fl oz can)	Caffeine Content (mg)	Data Sources
NOS Original	240 mg	1

It is crucial to note that some retailer websites still list a “High Performance” version of NOS with a staggering 260 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can.⁸

While this formulation appears to be older or a regional variant, its presence in online listings highlights the critical need for consumers to verify information, preferably from the can’s label itself, before consumption.

The Fuel Blend: Decoding the “CMPLX 6” Formula

The marketing of NOS touts its proprietary “CMPLX 6” blend, suggesting a sophisticated, synergistic formula.¹⁰

A pharmacological breakdown reveals a more complex and, at times, contradictory picture.

• Caffeine: The primary ignition source. As an adenosine receptor antagonist, it blocks the neurotransmitter responsible for promoting relaxation and sleepiness, leading to increased alertness and wakefulness.¹⁷
• Guarana: This is a source of “stealth caffeine.” Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon, and its seeds contain a higher concentration of caffeine than coffee beans—a single gram of guarana extract can contain 40 to 80 mg of caffeine.¹⁸ Because the exact amount of guarana extract in the proprietary blend is not disclosed, the total psychoactive dose of caffeine may be higher or have a different absorption profile than the number on the label suggests.
• Taurine: Often mistaken for a stimulant, taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in cardiovascular function and neuromodulation.²⁰ Energy drinks contain very high doses, often 1000 mg to 2000 mg per can, compared to the 40-400 mg in a typical daily diet.²² The science on its interaction with caffeine is mixed. Some animal and human studies suggest taurine may actually buffer or reduce some of the negative cardiovascular effects of caffeine, like increased blood pressure.²³ Other studies, however, suggest the combination may increase cardiac contractility or blood pressure more than caffeine alone, particularly during or after exercise.²⁴
• B-Vitamins (B6 & B12): These are not direct sources of energy. In our engine analogy, they are not the fuel but the spark plugs and lubricants. They act as essential cofactors in the metabolic pathways that convert sugars and fats into usable energy (ATP).²⁶ Their presence allows the body to more efficiently burn the fuel it’s given, but they do not provide the fuel themselves.
• Inositol: This compound, which replaced L-Theanine in the CMPLX 6 formula around 2016, is a type of sugar alcohol involved in cellular signaling.³

This analysis reveals a central paradox in the product’s design.

The marketing implies the precision engineering of a Formula 1 car, but the pharmacology points to a brute-force approach.

The primary effect comes from a massive, unsophisticated payload of sugar and a blunt-force stimulant package (caffeine plus guarana).

The “functional” ingredients of the CMPLX 6 blend are added to this high-impact base, but their ability to create a truly balanced, high-performance experience is questionable.

In fact, one in vitro study on human neuronal cells suggested that the combination of caffeine, taurine, and guarana could be cytotoxic (toxic to cells), causing signs of apoptosis (programmed cell death).²⁸

It’s less like a calibrated engine and more like strapping a rocket to a shopping cart: it produces a powerful, violent burst of energy that puts immense stress on the system and leads to an inevitable crash.

The High-Octane Problem: Sugar, Calories, and the Inevitable Crash

The original NOS formulation contains a massive amount of sugar—between 51 and 54 grams in a single 16 oz can.²⁹

This is more than double the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit for most men and women.³²

This sugar load is responsible for the “crash” that so many users experience.

The physiological process is straightforward: the rapid influx of sugar causes a dramatic spike in blood glucose levels.

In response, the pancreas releases a large amount of insulin to shuttle that glucose into the cells.

This aggressive insulin response often overshoots its target, leading to a state of reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

The symptoms of this crash—fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and shakiness—are precisely what drive users to reach for another energy drink, creating a vicious cycle of dependency and burnout.³³

Calibrating Your Personal Engine: From Reckless Guzzling to Strategic Fueling

Understanding the fuel is only half the battle.

The true path to sustainable performance lies in understanding your own engine and calibrating your intake accordingly.

This means moving away from chronic dependency and toward strategic, informed use.

Know Your Engine’s Redline: The 400mg Rule and Personal Sensitivity

Health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have cited 400 mg of caffeine per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for healthy adults.³⁵

This should be viewed as a universal “redline”—an absolute ceiling, not a daily target.

A single 24 oz NOS Original (240 mg) or one 16 oz “High Performance” can (260 mg) already constitutes over half of this daily limit.¹

Furthermore, individual sensitivity varies widely based on genetics, body weight, metabolism, and regular consumption habits.³⁶

For some, even 200 mg can induce unwanted side effects like jitters, anxiety, and insomnia.

For adolescents, whose bodies are smaller and still developing, the recommended limit is much lower—typically under 100 mg per day—and organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics state that energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and teens.³³

Matching Fuel to the Race: Strategic Use vs. Chronic Dependency

The fundamental error in my residency-era approach was using a high-performance tool to solve a chronic maintenance problem.

There is a vast difference between strategic use and chronic dependency.

• Strategic Use: This involves treating an energy drink as a specific tool for an acute task. For example, using a single can to maintain alertness during the final hours of a long road trip or to power through the last chapter of studying for a major exam. This is akin to a race team selecting a specific fuel blend for a specific track and weather conditions.
• Chronic Dependency: This is the pattern of using multiple cans daily to mask underlying systemic issues like poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, or burnout. This is like constantly redlining a street car’s engine; it will inevitably lead to system failure, just as it did for me in that hospital ward.

When the Engine Seizes: The Real Risks of Pushing Past the Limit

Ignoring these principles of calibration and pushing the system past its limits carries significant and well-documented risks, which have manifested in both severe medical events and a wave of legal action against the industry.

System Overload: A Sobering Review of the Medical Literature

The high doses of caffeine and sugar, especially when consumed excessively or by sensitive individuals, can lead to a cascade of adverse health effects.

• Cardiovascular Risks: The most immediate and frequently cited risks involve the cardiovascular system. Consumption, particularly in excess, is linked to increased heart rate (tachycardia), elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.²⁴ Case reports in medical literature have documented severe events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy young people following heavy consumption of energy drinks.⁴¹
• Neurological Risks: Beyond the familiar “jitters,” excessive caffeine intake can trigger severe anxiety, panic attacks, chronic headaches, and insomnia.⁴⁰ In rare cases, caffeine toxicity has been linked to seizures and other psychiatric disturbances.⁴⁰
• Metabolic Risks: The chronic consumption of high-sugar beverages is a major risk factor for weight gain, obesity, and the development of type 2 diabetes.³²
• Risks of Mixing with Alcohol: A particularly dangerous practice is mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The stimulant effects of caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading individuals to feel less intoxicated than they actually are. This can result in greater alcohol consumption and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.⁴⁶

The Fine Print: Lawsuits, Liability, and the “Failure to Warn”

The disconnect between the high-octane marketing of energy drinks and their potential health risks has created a contentious legal landscape.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against major energy drink manufacturers, including the parent company of NOS, Monster Beverage Corporation.⁴²

The central allegation in many of these cases is “failure to warn”.⁴²

Plaintiffs argue that companies do not adequately disclose the potential dangers of their products, particularly given their aggressive marketing campaigns that target young and impressionable consumers.⁴⁷

The marketing encourages consumption patterns—like “pounding down” multiple cans to fuel gaming or sports ⁵²—that are directly linked to the adverse events cited in lawsuits.

This creates a fundamental conflict: the marketing department’s goal is to create a culture of high-volume consumption, while the legal department must defend against the consequences of that very behavior.

The public record of accountability is often murky, as companies frequently settle these cases out of court under non-disclosure agreements or have them dismissed.⁵³

The Competitive Grid: How NOS Stacks Up

To make an informed choice, a consumer must understand where a product sits in the marketplace.

The energy drink industry is currently in the midst of a “horsepower arms race,” with some brands pushing stimulant levels to new extremes while others pivot toward a “clean energy” platform.

The following table compares a standard 16 fl oz can of NOS Original to its main competitors, providing context for its formulation.

Brand (16 fl oz)	Caffeine (mg)	Sugar (g)	Key “Energy Blend” Ingredients	Data Sources
NOS Original	160 mg	54 g	Caffeine, Taurine, Guarana, B-Vitamins, Inositol		30
Monster Original	160 mg	54 g	Caffeine, Taurine, Panax Ginseng, L-Carnitine, Guarana	56
Red Bull (16 fl oz)	148-150 mg	52 g	Caffeine, Taurine, B-Vitamins, Sugars	58
Bang	300 mg	0 g	Caffeine, “Super Creatine,” CoQ10, BCAAs	56
Celsius	200 mg	0 g	Caffeine, Guarana Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ginger Root	58

This comparison shows that NOS occupies a “traditional” space in the market: high-caffeine and high-sugar, similar to Monster.

It is significantly more potent in both regards than Red Bull but falls well short of the extreme stimulant levels found in Bang.

It also stands in stark contrast to the zero-sugar, “health-focused” positioning of brands like Celsius.

The Marketing Machine: Fueling a Culture of Consumption

The decision to consume an energy drink is rarely made in a vacuum.

It is heavily influenced by a sophisticated and pervasive marketing machine designed to normalize high-volume consumption among its target demographic.

The strategy for NOS and its competitors involves several key pillars:

• Targeting Youth and Young Adults: Marketing efforts are overwhelmingly aimed at adolescents and young adults (primarily male).⁶¹ This is achieved through sponsorships that align the brand with youth culture, such as extreme sports (X Games), motorsports (NASCAR, World of Outlaws), and, increasingly, the world of professional gaming and esports.⁷
• The “Wellness” Veneer: By fortifying drinks with B-vitamins and amino acids like taurine, brands create a false impression of healthfulness.⁶⁵ This “health halo” can mislead consumers into underestimating the risks associated with the high levels of caffeine and sugar.
• Normalizing Risky Behavior: The marketing’s most powerful function is to embed the product into the culture of an activity so deeply that its consumption becomes an automatic, unthinking prerequisite. By sponsoring gamers who stream for hours while drinking can after can, or by featuring athletes performing extreme stunts, the marketing normalizes the very consumption patterns that are associated with the greatest health risks.⁶⁶ The message is clear: to perform at this level, you need this fuel. This encourages users to ignore their body’s own warning signals and push past safe limits, turning a potential tool into a probable liability.

Conclusion: From Brute Force to Precision Performance

My journey from a burned-out medical resident to someone with a deep, nuanced understanding of performance physiology has been a difficult one.

I no longer see energy drinks as a simple good-or-evil proposition.

I see them for what they are: powerful tools that demand respect, knowledge, and careful calibration.

I still face long nights and demanding cognitive tasks, but my approach has fundamentally changed.

I now prioritize the true foundations of energy—sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

The ultimate lesson is that we must move beyond the simplistic question of “how much caffeine?” and adopt the mindset of a performance engineer.

We must ask the more important questions: What is the precise composition of my fuel? What is the nature of the race I’m running today? And most critically, how do I calibrate my own unique engine for sustainable, long-term, high performance? The answer isn’t found in the brute force of a single can, but in the wisdom of a calibrated system.

Works cited

1. Original – NOS Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.drinknos.com/en-us/products/original/
2. NOS High Performance Energy Drink | Details – BevNET.com Brand Database, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.bevnet.com/brands/nos_energy_drink
3. NOS (drink) – Wikipedia, accessed August 2, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOS_(drink)
4. WorldOfOutlaws.com | The Official Site of the World of Outlaws, accessed August 2, 2025, https://worldofoutlaws.com/
5. NOS Energy Drink: Human Horsepower • Ads of the World™ | Part of …, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/human-horsepower
6. NOS Athletes | Team NOS Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.drinknos.com/en-us/sports/
7. NOS Energy Drink Extends Partnership With World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, Becomes Longest Running Title Sponsor, accessed August 2, 2025, https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/nos-energy-drink-extends-partnership-with-world-of-outlaws-sprint-cars-becomes-longest-running-title-sponsor/
8. NOS, Energy Drink, High Performance (16 oz) | Shop | Weis Markets, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.weismarkets.com/shop/product/nos-energy-drink-high-performance/145671
9. NOS Zero Review + ingredients comparison: NOS Zero sucks. Bring back Sugar Free NOS! | Lucky Sci, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.luckysci.com/2013/05/bring-back-sugar-free-nos-nos-zero-sucks/
10. NOS Energy | Performance Energy Drinks, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.drinknos.com/en-us/
11. GT Grape – NOS Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.drinknos.com/en-us/products/gt-grape/
12. NOS GT Grape Energy Drink, 16 oz. Cans, 24 Pack – Rapid Refreshment, accessed August 2, 2025, https://rapidrefreshment.com/nos-gt-grape-energy-drink-16-oz-cans-24-pack/
13. Zero Sugar – NOS Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.drinknos.com/en-us/products/zero-sugar/
14. Nos Energy Drink, High Performance 24 Oz – Sedano’s Supermarkets, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.sedanos.com/shop/pantry/beverages/sports_and_energy/nos_energy_drink_high_performance/p/6024545/#!/?department_id=22395091
15. www.weismarkets.com, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.weismarkets.com/shop/product/nos-energy-drink-high-performance/145671#:~:text=Caffeine%20content%3A%20260%20mg%2F16,mental%20focus%20%2B%20high%20performance%20energy.
16. NOS, Energy Drink, High Performance (16 oz) | Shop | Piggly Wiggly Midwest, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.shopthepig.com/shop/product/nos-energy-drink-high-performance/213237
17. Pharmacology of Caffeine – Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance – NCBI, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
18. Energy Drinks – What You Don’t Know, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www1.villanova.edu/content/dam/villanova/studentlife/documents/healthpromotion/EnergyDrinks.pdf
19. Nutrition and Health Info-Sheet, accessed August 2, 2025, https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk426/files/content/infosheets/fact-pro-energydrinks.pdf
20. What Is Taurine? Benefits, Side Effects, and More – Healthline, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-taurine
21. Taurine in energy drinks: What is it? – Mayo Clinic, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/taurine/faq-20058177
22. Taurine in Energy Drinks: What You Need to Know – Avid Organics, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.avidorganics.net/taurine-in-energy-drinks/
23. Effect of taurine and potential interactions with caffeine on cardiovascular function – PubMed, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24615238/
24. Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system – PMC, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5714807/
25. Acute Effects of Caffeine and Taurine on Linear and Nonlinear Measures of the Cardiovascular System in Young Adults – MDPI, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/11/4912
26. NOS Original Energy Drink – Shop Sports & energy drinks at H-E-B, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.heb.com/product-detail/nos-original-energy-drink/2052989
27. International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots – Taylor & Francis Online, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15502783.2023.2171314
28. Major Components of Energy Drinks (Caffeine, Taurine, and Guarana) Exert Cytotoxic Effects on Human Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells by Decreasing Reactive Oxygen Species Production – PubMed Central, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3674721/
29. NOS High Performance Energy Drink – 8 pk – Giant Food, accessed August 2, 2025, https://giantfood.com/groceries/beverages/energy-drinks/nos-high-performance-energy-drink-8-pk-16-oz-can.html
30. NOS Energy Drink, 16 fl oz – Kroger, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.kroger.com/p/nos-energy-drink/0008079380391
31. EWG’s Food Scores | Nos High Performance Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/815154020572-NosHighPerformanceEnergyDrink/
32. How Much Caffeine Is in NOS? (16oz & 24oz Facts) – CoffeeFactz, accessed August 2, 2025, https://coffeefactz.com/how-much-caffeine-in-nos/
33. What are the health risks of energy drinks? – MultiCare Vitals, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.multicare.org/vitals/what-are-the-health-risks-of-energy-drinks/
34. The Shocking Truth About the Dangers of Energy Drinks – NFHS, accessed August 2, 2025, https://nfhs.org/stories/the-shocking-truth-about-the-dangers-of-energy-drinks
35. www.fda.gov, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
36. Caffeine: How much is too much? – Mayo Clinic, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
37. Caffeine: Benefits, risks, and effects – Medical News Today, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285194
38. How Much Caffeine is Safe for You and Your Child – MedStar Health, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/caffeine-energy-drinks-heart-safety
39. The Buzz on Energy Drinks | School Nutrition – CDC, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/school-nutrition/energy-drinks/index.html
40. Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects …, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4682602/
41. The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10535526/
42. NOS Energy Drink Lawsuit | Free Case Evaluation – Schmidt & Clark, LLP, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.schmidtandclark.com/nos-energy-drink-lawsuit
43. 7 Serious Side Effects of Drinking Energy Drinks Regularly – Verywell Health, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-do-energy-drinks-do-to-your-body-11780293
44. Safety issues associated with commercially available energy drink | Request PDF – ResearchGate, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5257174_Safety_issues_associated_with_commercially_available_energy_drink
45. COMMITTEE ON TOXICITY OF CHEMICALS IN FOOD, CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT First draft paper on the potential risks from, accessed August 2, 2025, https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/tox2018-50.pdf
46. Risks of Energy Drinks | Sutter Health, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/risks-of-energy-drinks
47. “Caffeinating” children and youth – PMC, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2952001/
48. Dangerous Caffeine Levels? Monster Energy Facing Lawsuits | 5/14/2025, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/dangerous-caffeine-levels-monster-energy-facing-lawsuits/
49. Can I File a Lawsuit for Dangerous Energy Drink Side Effects? – North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer, accessed August 2, 2025, https://justicecounts.com/north-carolina-product-liability-lawyer/energy-drink-lawsuit/
50. Lawsuit alleges energy drinks lead to serious health concerns – Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., accessed August 2, 2025, https://brockmaninjurylawyer.com/2017/02/25/lawsuit-alleges-energy-drinks-lead-to-serious-health-concerns/
51. Energy drink maker Monster sued for teen’s death – The Cochran Firm, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cochranfirm.com/washington-dc/energy-drink-maker-monster-sued-for-teens-death/
52. NOS High Performance Energy Drink, 16 fl. oz., 24 pk. – Sam’s Club, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.samsclub.com/p/nos-energy-drink-24-16-oz-cans/prod10740283?bvstate=pg:6/ct:r
53. Lives We’ve Lost To Energy Drinks – CGA.ct.gov, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cga.ct.gov/2020/kiddata/tmy/2020HB-05141-R000303-Energy%20Drinks%201-TMY.PDF
54. All Lawsuits Dismissed Against Monster Energy Company Filed by Personal Injury Lawyers Morgan & Morgan, accessed August 2, 2025, https://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/all-lawsuits-dismissed-against-monster-energy-company-filed
55. Are Energy Drink Hospitalizations Grounds for a Personal Injury Lawsuit? – Clore Law Group, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.clorelaw.com/news-insights/are-energy-drink-hospitalizations-grounds-for-a-personal-injury-lawsuit
56. Monster Energy Drink vs. Coffee: Which Has More Caffeine? – Cliff & Pebble, accessed August 2, 2025, https://cliffandpebble.com/blogs/our-blog/how-much-caffeine-is-in-a-monster
57. How Much Caffeine in NOS Energy Drink? – Foodzilla, accessed August 2, 2025, https://foodzilla.com/questions/how-much-caffeine-in-nos-energy-drink
58. How much caffeine is in Red Bull and Monster energy drinks? – Decadent Decaf Coffee Company, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.decadentdecaf.com/blogs/decadent-decaf-coffee-co/how-much-caffeine-is-in-red-bull-and-monster-energy-drinks
59. A cool guide to caffeine in energy drinks : r/coolguides – Reddit, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/1kw8b8x/a_cool_guide_to_caffeine_in_energy_drinks/
60. How Much Caffeine Is in a NOS Energy Drink? (Detailed Breakdown!) | Corner Coffee Store, accessed August 2, 2025, https://cornercoffeestore.com/how-much-caffeine-in-nos-energy-drinks/
61. Fueling the Ideal: The Role of Energy Drink Marketing in Shaping Body Image on Instagram, accessed August 2, 2025, https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1042&context=amtp-proceedings_2025
62. NOS gives consumers the power – Strategy, accessed August 2, 2025, https://strategyonline.ca/2011/08/12/nos-gives-consumers-the-power/
63. Exposure and perceptions of marketing for caffeinated energy drinks among young Canadians – David Hammond, accessed August 2, 2025, https://davidhammond.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2017-Energy-Drink-Marketing-PHN-Ried-et-al.pdf
64. NOS partnership. | GamesIndustry.biz, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nos-partnership-nos-becomes-official-energy-drink-of-video-game-league
65. In the Energy Drink Market, Advertising and Science Collide – Undark Magazine, accessed August 2, 2025, https://undark.org/2019/06/26/kids-energy-drinks/
66. “Fueling the Games”: Energy Drink Consumption, Marketing, and the Associated Perceptions and Behaviors in Video Gaming – EHPI, accessed August 2, 2025, https://ehpi.org/fueling-the-games-energy-drink-consumption-marketing-and-the-associated-perceptions-and-behaviors-in-video-gaming/
67. A content analysis of sports and energy drink advertising – PMC – PubMed Central, accessed August 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9058213/