http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull
Health effects
Typical ingredients like caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone have been assessed by health authorities for their safety. Health Canada conducted a review of the scientific literature on caffeine concluding that the general population of healthy adults is not at risk for potential adverse effects from caffeine if they limit their consumption to 400 mg per day.[18]
Taurine and glucuronolactone are normal body constituents and also naturally present in the human diet
(e.g. scallops, fish, poultry and grain respectively
). The European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA
) in its January 2009 opinion on the safety of energy drink ingredients concluded that the exposure to taurine and glucuronolactone at the levels presently used in energy drinks is not of safety concern.[19]
A review published in 2008 found no documented reports of negative or positive health effects associated with the amount of taurine used in energy drinks, including Red Bull. Caffeine and sugar levels in Red Bull are comparable to coffee and fruit juices, respectively.[20] Another publication found that "the number of available publications that really go into the details in this topic is also rather poor".[21]
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Caffeine
Main article: Caffeine
The caffeine of a single can of Red Bull is 80 mg/250 ml
(32 mg/100 ml
).[22][23] This is about the same as a normal coffee, or slightly less depending on the brewing method.[24] The actual caffeine level in Red Bull can vary depending on country, as some countries have legal restrictions on how much caffeine is allowed in drinks. As is the case with other caffeinated beverages, Red Bull drinkers may experience adverse effects as a result of overuse caffeine intoxication.
Energy drinks are not sports drinks and have not been formulated to deliver re-hydration. Water should be consumed in addition to energy drinks during exercise.
A 2008 position statement issued by the National Federation of State High School Associations made the following recommendations about general energy drink consumption for young athletes:[citation needed]
Water and appropriate sports drinks should be used for rehydration as outlined in the NFHS Document “Position Statement and Recommendations for Hydration to Minimize the Risk for Dehydration and Heat Illness”.
Energy drinks should not be used for hydration.
Information about the absence of benefit and the presence of potential risk associated with energy drinks should be widely shared among all individuals who interact with young athletes.
Energy drinks should not be consumed by athletes who are dehydrated.
Energy drinks should not be consumed, without prior medical approval, by athletes taking over the counter or prescription medications.
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Cardiovascular effects
A review of the scientific literature on caffeine concluded that moderate caffeine intake
(less than 400 mg per day
) does not adversely affect cardiovascular health.[25] A can of Red Bull, 250ml, contains 80 mg of caffeine which is less than a cup of coffee.[26]
There has been at least one case report of Red Bull overdose causing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in a young athlete.[27] A February 3, 2009 article in The Daily Telegraph called, "Red Bull 'may have triggered heart condition that killed student' " reported the death of a 21-year-old woman who died after drinking four cans of Red Bull as well as alcohol at "social levels".[28] It was believed, but had not been proven, that she suffered from a rare heart condition called long QT Syndrome.[28] She was on medication for epilepsy and had an abnormally large heart. A medical examination found that there were no illegal drugs in her system. The article quoted a doctor as saying, "The coroner recorded that the 21-year-old woman died of natural causes."[2
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Aspartame - get messed up! (+ energy drinks!)
