In a letter, that lawmaker, Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, told the F.T.C. that he found claims made by the sellers of products like 5-Hour Energy, Monster Energy and Rockstar Energy particularly disturbing because they were often made to appeal to younger people.

In marketing promotions and advertisements, producers of energy drinks typically claim that the products can make users more alert, energized and less fatigued. The request by Mr. Markey follows disclosures that the Food and Drug Administration received reports of 18 deaths in recent years in which energy drinks may have played a role; producers deny any link.

“The advertising claims made by energy drink manufacturers are particularly alarming in light of the increase in advertisements targeted primarily to children and teenagers,” Mr. Markey wrote.

A spokeswoman for the F.T.C., Betsy Lordan, said the agency would consider Mr. Markey’s request. She declined to say whether the F.T.C. was already examining energy drink promotions.

Energy drink makers have said that the claims they have made for their products are supported. They have added that they do not market the beverages to children, a group defined by the industry as those under 12 years of age.

Public officials are looking into the marketing claims of energy drink manufacturers, including the attorney general of New York State and the top lawyer for the city of San Francisco. Newsday reported this week that the Suffolk County Board of Health on Long Island urged county lawmakers to ban the sale of energy drinks to people younger than 19. The board cited potential health dangers that have been associated with the drinks, including elevated heart rates and higher blood pressure, dizziness and possible death.

In his letter, Mr. Markey asked the F.T.C. whether it believed any of the claims made by energy drink producers were deceptive or fraudulent and, if so, whether the agency planned to take any actions in response.

In 2010, both the F.T.C. and the F.D.A. took action against companies that were selling beverages that were a mix of energy drinks and alcohol.

Article source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/business/markey-presses-ftc-to-investigate-energy-drink-ads.html?partner=rss&emc=rss