Cocaine is the brand name of an energy drink produced by Redux Beverages. It is being marketed as "The Legal Alternative" to actual cocaine, and its logo is spelled out in what looks like a white powder.

The FDA has sent Redux Beverages a letter stating that they are illegally marketing the drink as both a street drug alternative and a dietary supplement. As evidence, the FDA has cited slogans such as "Speed in a Can," "Liquid Cocaine" and "Cocaine -- Instant Rush."

Dietary supplements also cannot carry claims to prevent or treat a disease. Cocaine's maker claims that the ingredient inositol helps prevent hardening of the arteries.

The FDA says the drink is a new drug and, as such, cannot be sold without federal approval.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

This slapdown by the FDA comes right on the heels of a proposed ban of the ridiculous energy drink Cocaine by Chicago aldermen. "Cocaine" is supposedly 350 percent stronger than Red Bull.

"Cocaine" is one of some 500 energy drinks launched last year, but this particular drink has countless numbers of fans, mostly teens. Coca-Cola has ventured into the very same realm as of late with its dubious "fat-burning" Enviga.

"Cocaine" should be avoided by all pregnant women as caffeine has been associated with birth defects. The high levels of sugar will also push your health in the wrong direction.

Generally you will want to avoid specialty drinks and soft drinks, as these could have an enormous negative influence on your long-term health. If nothing else, soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit drinks are tainted with sugars that will raise your insulin levels, contribute to a host of diseases and accelerate your aging process.

Diet drinks are also harmful, because they're loaded with artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Obviously, I believe you should avoid ALL soda, but I am firmly convinced that diet sodas are far more harmful than regular sodas. That says quite a bit as nearly everyone who knows me understands that I am no major fan of high-fructose corn syrup.

Your best and safest choice: Drinking clean, fresh water.

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