Can energy drinks cause heart disease? New lawsuit says teen died from caffeine-induced cardiomyopathy
The family of a 17-year-old girl in Texas has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two energy drink distributors after she died unexpectedly from cardiomyopathy.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez died in October 2025 after a “fatal cardiac event.” According to the family’s lawsuit, which Cardiovascular Business reviewed, her official cause of death was cardiomyopathy from "excessive caffeine consumption."
In the days leading up to her death, Rodriguez regularly purchased and consumed Alani Nu Energy Drinks at an H-E-B in Hidalgo County, Texas. The distributors of those drinks—Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas—are listed as the defendants in her family’s lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Alani Nu Energy Drinks are marketed to young consumers in a dishonest way.
“Alani Nu’s marketing is particularly deceptive because it positions the product as part of a healthy, active lifestyle while concealing the substantial cardiac and neurological risks associated with its concentrated caffeine and stimulant ingredients,” the lawsuit alleges.
The young girl’s family also thinks the packaging of these drinks should contain more warnings that are easy to read.
“The only cautionary language on the can—'Not recommended for children under 18, those sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women’—is printed in small, inconspicuous text that is easily overlooked and wholly inadequate to warn consumers of the serious risks of cardiac injury and death,” the lawsuit alleges.
The plaintiffs seek damages of at least $1 million.
Company behind energy drinks 'saddened' by loss
Celsius Inc., the company that makes Alani Nu Energy Drinks, did say in a statement it is “saddened by this loss” and its employees “take product safety seriously.”
“Our products comply with applicable federal labeling requirements, and our policy is not to market or sample to anyone under 18, consistent with those label warnings,” the company said.
At this time, Celsius is not listed on the wrongful death lawsuit as a defendant.
FDA warns children, teens not to consume energy drinks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends healthy adults should limit their caffeine intake to 400 mg per day. When it comes to children, on the other hand, the agency specifically warns against the consumption of energy drinks.
“Too much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure and anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration,” according to the FDA.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.