Energy drinks in suit over which is less healthful

The battle of the energy drinks - Monster versus Bang - could play out soon in a California courtroom.

Monster Energy Corp., based in Delaware but with a principal place of business in Corona, Calif., filed a lawsuit last week in a California District Court against Vital Pharmaceuticals, also known as VPX Sports, which is based in Weston, Fla.

The suit alleges that VPX Sports, which markets the energy drink Bang, uses deceptive advertising and marketing.

Bang 'is nothing short of a miracle drink that delivers benefits and cures that have evaded scientists for decades,” according to the suit.

The suit lists four complaints centering on violation of California laws concerning unfair competition, false advertising and trade libel that 'disparages” energy drink companies such as Monster.

VPX markets Bang through 15 store distributors in California and also nationwide via vitamin stores such as GNC and convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

Bang has 300 milligrams of caffeine per 16 ounce can. Monster has 240 milligrams in its 24 ounce can, the equivalent of seven cans of Coca-Cola.

Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered generally safe for adults by the Mayo Clinic but cautions that children and adolescents should not consume that much caffeine daily.