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SYDNEY - Energy drinks should carry clearer warnings, says one man who almost died after downing eight cans of Red Bull.
Matthew Penboss, 28, has told Fairfax and News Limited newspapers his heart stopped after drinking the cans, each containing 80 mg of caffeine.
After a day motocross riding, the usually fit and healthy Mr Penboss collapsed and went into cardiac arrest earlier this month, his heart finally shutting down.
Mr Penboss was revived and rushed to hospital, where he spent six days recovering.
"I think people have a vague idea of what could happen but I don't think they fully realise what could happen," Mr Penboss said.
"I was just looking for that edge in reaction time - like it says on the pack itself."
Mr Penboss said he was aware of directions to drink no more than two cans of Red Bull each day, but the recommendations should be more prominent on the product's packaging.
The north coast carpenter admitted to regularly drinking four cans of Red Bull each day.
"With the work I do, I don't have a lot of time to eat," he told Fairfax. "I have a couple of red Bulls in the morning and it carries me through."
A Red Bull spokeswoman said she was unable to comment on Mr Penboss' case but that the product clearly advised against excessive consumption.
- AAP
