Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Blog

How Does Redbull Affect Your Energy Levels?

If you have severe chronic fatigue, sometimes redbull can be a life saver. If I’m struggling when having a night out or falling asleep at a family function, redbull can helps me keep it together for a few more hours. Maybe it isnt the healthiest way to get energy, but if you have cfs sometimes it can be the easiest way to get it.

Everyone knows that energy drinks (i.e Redbull) can give you a short term energy boost.

Do You Know What Is Actually in It?

Here are the active ingredients in Redbull that are resonsible for the increased energy.

Glucose - Obviously glucose is Sugar. Cells use sugar and can rapidly convert it into energy. This gives a short term energy boost as glucose is turned into sugar.
Taurine - Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally made in the human body. Each can of Red Bull contains 1000mg of Taurine. Taurine help to move minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium throughout the cells. This helps to generate nerve impulses.
There has been some controversy over the effects of high levels of taurine on the body. It is believed to be unfounded but there are certain countries that prohibit the sale of redbull.
Its sale is acutally prohibited in Denmark, France, Uruguay, and Norway. In France, Only energy drink without Taurine are sold.

Some CFS patients have actually been found to have low levels of taurine.
Glucuronolactone - Glucuronolactone is a precursor of taurine. It has be known to improve memory and concentration. It also can have stimulant and anti-depressant like effects.

Inositol - Inositol has mood boosting effects and improves how the brain uses serotonin. A chemical that is the same that is boosted by anti-depressant drugs like prozac and zoloft.
Some studies have recently shown that inositol may acually help treat certain problems like bipolar disorder, depression, and panic disorder.

Niacin - Niacin is a B vitamin that helps in energy formation. It metabolizes energy from fat and carbohydrates. Niacin can help the body use energy by releasing it from food.
D-Pantothenol - D-Pantothenol is also known as vitamin B5, or Pantothenic acid. It is known to improve mood and boost energy. D-Pantothenol help turn fat into energy and increases metabolism.

Pyridoxine HCL - Also known as Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine HCL helps red blood cells to form and provides better oxygen utilization. It also help to break down sugar that you have stored in your body to use for energy.
Vitamin B12 - B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells, for better oxygen utilization. It also help with energy production by breaking down fat and protein.
Caffeine - Red Bull contains 80.0 milligrams of caffeine which is almost double the amount of all other soft drinks. The caffeine in Red Bull gives you energy by blocking a chemical in you brain called adenosine. Adenosine promotes seepiness and without it you would not be able to fall asleep. When adenosine is blocked you body releases a boost of adrenaline which wakes you up.

I sometimes use redbull to help me deal with low energy with chronic fatigue, but usually i pay the price .If you are looking for more information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Click the link if you want to go the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue forums.

70 Comments »

Comment by Aeolus

August 8, 2007 @ 6:06 pm

I find it very interesting that this article glosses over the negative effects that red bull has on the body, that some of this is incorrect and also not cited. Taurine is NOT an amino acid. The use of sugar and high levels of caffeine can be dangerous because of the effects that can have on your blood pressure. The “energy boost” acts just like many other stimulants and can have detrimental effects on your cardiovascular system.

This is not to say that energy drinks should be banned. People should just be more aware of the effects that these drinks can have and the downsides should be well explained.

Comment by Stickyshoez

August 8, 2007 @ 6:17 pm

This article seems to be pro redbull….the negetive effects should be listed as well, because after all it does way more damage to our bodies than it does good.

I still love it though.

Comment by Grat

August 8, 2007 @ 6:22 pm

Adenosine promotes seepiness - I get seepy all the time

Comment by Stephen

August 8, 2007 @ 6:24 pm

Redbull + vodka the best mix to get you going.

Comment by kevin

August 8, 2007 @ 6:25 pm

other than taurine, what’s wrong with redbull?

Comment by Devon Nullsoft

August 8, 2007 @ 6:30 pm

Taurine is NOT an amino acid. Please do not say that it is an amino acid, as this spreads ignorance. Taurine lacks a carboxylic acid, and doesn’t even have a carbonyl. Thus, it is most definitely NOT an amino acid.

Comment by undergroundman

August 8, 2007 @ 6:35 pm

As was stated, taurine is not an amino acid.

I have no opinion either way as to whether Red Bull is good or bad.

Comment by Annoyed at stupid comments

August 8, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

Right… so lets start with the idiot who said Taurine isn’t an amino acid:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurine
Seems to me that it is an Amino Acid.. It even has an Amino Group on the molecule. Do some research before you attempt to correct some ones blog.

But…I do agree, they should have posted the adverse effects of drinking energy drinks.

Comment by annoyed at "annoyed at stupid comments"

August 8, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

From the Wikipedia article you cited:

“It is often called an amino acid, even in scientific literature, but it lacks a carboxyl group and therefore does not qualify as an amino acid in biochemical terminology.”

Been reading long?

Comment by MISINFORMED

August 8, 2007 @ 6:51 pm

Taurine isn’t an amino acid. Clearly having an amino group doesn’t satisfy that criteria. It even says so in your own link! Do some research before attempting to correct a comment that could not be more right.

Comment by Wandered in from Digg

August 8, 2007 @ 6:56 pm

Actually, Wikipedia said:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurine

“It is often called an amino acid, even in scientific literature,[3][4][5] but it lacks a carboxyl group and therefore does not qualify as an amino acid in biochemical terminology.[6]”

Be careful what you classify as a stupid comment.

Comment by Matt

August 8, 2007 @ 6:56 pm

The best mix for this is Red Bull mixed with Huckleberry favored Vodka “44 (degrees) North”. Its made in Idaho but I’ve found it as far south as Texas.

Comment by biology major

August 8, 2007 @ 6:59 pm

Do you know if any of these compounds pass the blood/brain barrier?

Very few compounds do.

Amino acid War… in the loosest sense it has an amino & an acid, so yeah.. it is an amino acid, just no biologist would call it such.

Comment by wm underwood

August 8, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

red bull ….bulls..t, try coffee and sugar, at home for 10 cents a cup vice red bull at 3.50. great marketing, if you can sell something for 3.50 and make it for 20 cents including the can…
waste your money if you like

Comment by U R DUM

August 8, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

Lol, ban energy drinks? It’s obvious that caffeine affects your body certain ways and people who need to avoid caffeine do. Everyone knows this stuff has caffeine in it. And you were wrong about taurine. Get your facts straight before you randomly criticize someone who obviously knows more than you.

Comment by always right

August 8, 2007 @ 7:02 pm

To the above: Perhaps you should do some research on your own links before you snap back.

From Wiki: “It is often called an amino acid, even in scientific literature,but it lacks a carboxyl group and therefore does not qualify as an amino acid in biochemical terminology.”

Seems to me like it’s called an Amino Acid purely to make the life of Bio-chem writer that much easier. But in reality, it is not an Amino Acid.

Comment by Zach

August 8, 2007 @ 7:10 pm

Wikipedia is wrong. It is most certainly NOT an amino acid. It lacks the basic amino acid backbone -NH2-C(H)-CO2-

Comment by bubba

August 8, 2007 @ 7:38 pm

The author left out the most important ingredient: placebo. Placebo, like taurine, is not an amino acid. Placebo is your imagination. Note that the caffeine level, described here as being twice as high as in other soft drinks, is considerably less than the amount found in a cup of coffee (about 100mg).

Comment by Felix

August 8, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

Wow, what a bunch of women.

Yes, Taurine is soooooo very bad for you… you wonder why the main stream media peddles fear. An article doesn’t blindy rave about the convential wisdom that red bull is terrible for you and throw a fit.

Everything is about moderation. Bravo to the author for avoiding the temptation to hop on the “new must be dangerous” bandwagon.

The article doesn’t mention the negative side effects because Red Bull doesn’t contain anywhere near LD50 or non-GRAS levels of anything… looking at wikipedia, even for Taurine it looks like you would need 7 of them to reach non-GRAS levels. If you are drinking 7 red bulls at a time you lack common sense and this is merely evolution taking place.

Comment by Josh

August 8, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

I think you cleared the part about it not being an amino acid. The people that continue to pound on it proves the lack of reading skills. Dwell elsewhere.

Comment by To everyone who is getting off the topic

August 8, 2007 @ 7:47 pm

I know everyone loves to debate and argue on here, but how did you all stray so far from the original topic? How DOES Red Bull affect the brain?

Comment by Amino-acid

August 8, 2007 @ 8:24 pm

Um…I am an amino acid and i’m telling you guys Taurin is definitely not one of us. we wouldn’t be seen in public with a wannabe like Taurine.

Comment by Frank Mallace

August 8, 2007 @ 8:28 pm

RedBull makes me feel goooood! It’s just so expensive!!! I stick with the generic powder mixes they sell out Wal-Mart. Coffee is cheaper but it doesn’t have all the B Vitamins and complicated sounding stuff in it (like Taurine) that people are arguing about in this thread.

Comment by PLACEBO OR NOT

August 8, 2007 @ 8:48 pm

Placebo or not i find red bull (and variations of) do help me stay awake overnight at work or out partying. I do also find more then two in a night makes me feel a bit crook. Im a 1 cup of coffee a day person and find that picks me up in the morning also.

Placebo or not, brilliant marketing and the use of “buzz” ingredients like “Taurine” and “Caffeine” will have the masses swilling it down like water for years to come.

Comment by OU812

August 8, 2007 @ 9:04 pm

All this Taurine talk is making me drowsy…I’m going to get a Red Bull.

Comment by Amino Acid

August 8, 2007 @ 9:41 pm

I’m an Amino Acid and I’m getting a kick out of these replies.

Comment by Rob

August 8, 2007 @ 9:47 pm

Rockstar is much better, it also has milk thistle extract which is great for Lowering cholesterol levels, Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis, Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Milk thistle is also used in many products claiming to reduce the effects of a hangover.

Comment by rockStar marketing dept.

August 8, 2007 @ 10:32 pm

Thanks, ROB. Your check is in the mail.

Comment by Mr0

August 8, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

soooo… Rockstar is a softdrink right? contains sugar eh? wtf do class 1 diabetics care about it?
damn hippies.

Comment by Mr0

August 8, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

oh, and taurine ain’t an AA

Comment by Mr0

August 8, 2007 @ 11:06 pm

oh, class 2…. soz

Comment by anny

August 9, 2007 @ 12:34 am

When adenosine is blocked you body releases a boost of adrenaline which wakes you up. I think it should be your.

Comment by Abe

August 9, 2007 @ 12:46 am

Look. As far as I know, All energy drinks have their benefits and downsides. Though drinks such as Monster and Redbull may give you that “energy boost” that we all desire to make it through our days, they do have their downsides. I read through all of the comments above mine and I noticed that everyone was arguing about the position of taurine being an Amino Acid. Though I do not trust the information on the wikisite, I do agree with the fact that it is not classified as an amino acid. First off, amino acids are utilitized by proteins within the body, and if Taurine were capable of that, you would see body builders using it. I have heard of creatine causing “massive muscle build” but the claims aren’t true. Creatine, Taurine, and all these other chemicals you find in energry drinks are just additives to create that energy boost, and they do have their side affects. Hypertension and Drowsiness are definitly some affects. I guess there is a reasonm they say: “limit 2/3 cans per day” or whatever they put on the cans. Honestly, there shouldn’t be a fuss over this product. In my opinion… once in every great while seems ok for a drink like these is to be consumed, but on a daily basis can definitly be harmful towards your lifestyle. So to everyone: drink responsibly.

Comment by From Indonesia

August 9, 2007 @ 12:51 am

How much…??? $3.50 a pop?
Down here they’re selling em at US$ 35 cents

Comment by garyB

August 9, 2007 @ 1:41 am

Hello, my name is Gary B and I am a taurine addict It all started out chugging the Red Bulls with vodka at my frat, made me feel good, and like I belonged. Later, I discovered I could get all that with taurine alone and now I’m popping 20 tabs a day. I get a calcium like crust on my skin, but boy if sure feels good otherwise.

Hey, seriously, Red Bull tastes like liquid gummy worms. It’s gross.

Comment by Tibi

August 9, 2007 @ 4:40 am

“Glucose - Obviously glucose is Sugar. Cells use sugar and can rapidly convert it into energy. This gives a short term energy boost as glucose is turned into sugar.”

This is incorrect, glucose is not turned into sugar by the body, on the contrary sugar and other carbohydrates are broken down into glucose by the body. The reason for the energy boost is that the glucose is absorbed into the blood in approx 5 minutes.

Comment by SW6

August 9, 2007 @ 5:21 am

I can’t believe people actually reference wikipedia in-faith. You’d be better reeferencing a comic book

Comment by jupiter3888

August 9, 2007 @ 6:49 am

they usually go for around $3.00 - $3.50 here in australia.

Comment by Ryan

August 9, 2007 @ 6:50 am

Can we please to splitting hairs over the taurine is isnt an AA, can some with some definite answers explain what the negative side effects are from redbull other than the usual caffeine warnings.

IMO Redbull is fine in moderation and any side effects are not from taurine but from delayed onset of fatigue caused by insufficient rest and or nutrition kicking in after the caffeine and glucose are depleted.

Ideally redbull should offer redbull with a mixture of carbs and some protein / replacement minerals and multi vit.

Comment by David

August 9, 2007 @ 10:05 am

The Indonesian redbull isnt real redbull, tastes completely differant. Comes in a dinky size bottle too, and only has 50mg of caffeine from memory.

Comment by socram

August 9, 2007 @ 10:10 am

Nothing is better than Natural Energy, like the “guaraná” fruit.

Comment by coffee?

August 9, 2007 @ 10:18 am

Why do people keep saying “it costs $$, coffee is so much cheaper!” ?

Who cares? I make enough money to afford to drink whatever i want, and coffee sucks. AND red bull is still cheaper than most of the drinks on the menu at starbucks too btw.

Comment by Aswipe

August 9, 2007 @ 4:16 pm

Taurine does not exist. It is made up in order to make you feel like you are getting something. Whether or not it is an amino acid is beside the point–you are just arguing about something that they tell you exists. You are just dust, and taurine is just crap. Red Bull is a red placebo drink.

Comment by Susana

August 9, 2007 @ 9:21 pm

Maybe we all have too much time on our hands if we can devote this much energy to the ideas surrounding an expensive can of caffeinated sugar water! (and even though I like the stuff occasionally, the description of it tasting like liquid gummy worms is absolutely perfect).

Comment by Chad

August 10, 2007 @ 3:45 am

[Right… so lets start with the idiot who said Taurine isn’t an amino acid:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurine
Seems to me that it is an Amino Acid.. It even has an Amino Group on the molecule. Do some research before you attempt to correct some ones blog.] - Was posted.

And you did your research on wikipedia???

Comment by linton

August 15, 2007 @ 5:55 pm

Forget redbull that only helps some people for a temporary short period use olive leaf extract but it has to contain 20% or over OLEUROPEIN to cure cfs work up to 3 grams per day but watch out for die off.

Comment by Former RB drinker

August 19, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

Don’t drink it after last nights experience. IMO Its the RB that makes me loopy and the above causes that they are saying it causes makes me believe it even more. The increased nervous impulses definitely. I drank around 10 tins of the stuff last night (yes there was vodka in it, but thats not to blame!!)

The keeping you up all night - No. Got home, crashed right out! (once halfway coming out the toilet!) Normally when I drink it I am up all night.

Oh and all the talk about Amino Acids - Boring, who cares if they got that one fact wrong - if indeed it is.

Comment by Taurine Addict

August 26, 2007 @ 1:32 pm

I wouldn’t drink RedBull if it didn’t have Taurine in it. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. And you can always get it @ 2 for $5 at BP stations. BARGAIN!! CHEAPER THAN COFFEE!!

Coffee stinks your breath for the whole day anyway, so thats outa the question.

and WHO CARES if Taurine is an Amino Acid… if you’re so wrapped about amino acids.. go take L-Glutamine or L-Tyrosine tablets or whatever they’re called

Comment by emily

September 4, 2007 @ 7:43 pm

I think redbull is very bas for you
But I guess one every once in a why is ok right
Just do not drink often

Comment by Scott

October 1, 2007 @ 4:03 am

Yell yell yell! Angry angry angry!

I guess… those that like Red bull.. drink red bull.. those that don’t.. drink your coffee, olive leaf, and other natural extracts. You guys are ridiculous. I’m just looking for some information and facts but after reading all of your crazy arguments.. I’ve come out more confused than before.

Please don’t respond to this trying to tell me all your facts. The fact is, none of you seem to know anything and I won’t remember to visit this page again anyways. I just wanted you all to know you tried way too hard to prove your points and this topic is SLAUGHTERED now.

P.S. The wikipedia isn’t so bad. Don’t be so quick to completely disregard it.. but don’t be quick to believe it word-for-word either. Duh, it’s always a work in progress.. that’s the idea. Love it or leave it.

Comment by shdYme

October 7, 2007 @ 11:45 am

scott, right on dude! was looking for info & stuff & i got a taurine-an-amino-acid-not-amino-acid war!lol..

tho i respect those who think it matters to those it matters, otherwise who d heck cares..i dont..

i just wanna know the neg effects of gurgling redbull on everyday basis..i got the positive ones, even though frm wad i read are generally opiniated version & not totally factual..at least i’ve got general ideas..

i dun reali drink redbull cuz of the energy boost thing..just i like it..cuz i dun do drinks cuz of personal reason, neither do i smoke & this kinda takes the place of those things one does under pressure..i just wanna know the + & - jus so i know wat im in for..currently takin 2 or 3 per day if i remmeber to buy it, or none..or mayb sometimes more then that if i rmmbr to buy more..

PS: i’m not givin a crwap abt wat any1 wants to comment abt my comment..go ahead..i’m not givin a care..every1s entitled to their own opinions & i respect that..

Comment by Fighting Fatigue/Sandy

October 9, 2007 @ 10:08 pm

All I know about Red Bull is that my body can’t take it! When I tried it my heart beat so fast.

Comment by Oh Well !

November 15, 2007 @ 4:46 pm

Who cares about Taurine or Red Bull, What happened to good old Blackbirds ??

Comment by red bull

January 4, 2008 @ 11:39 am

Taurine is a derivative of the cysteine (which is amino acid), he don’t have carboxyl group instead he has sulfonate group and also amino group so we can call - taurine (amino sulfonic acid).

Comment by Kitty

January 10, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

What is going on???
First of all Wikipedia is not a reliable source anyone can edit even ignorant people…
my question is does Red Bull really have bull testicles???

Comment by scooterpie

January 20, 2008 @ 7:28 pm

quoting anything from wikipedia as fact is like a retarded blind person leading the blind. half of the articles on there are under constant dispute. but i will be receiving my degree from there, so i cant complain.

Comment by JIzm

March 20, 2008 @ 1:27 am

I have a bottle of BlueBonnet Taurine, it makes no mention that it is an Amino Acid. All my Amino Acid vitamins mention that on the bottle. I’ve seen it listed as a non essential Amino Acid, meaning that we tend to make it in our bodies from other substances.

If you can’t realize that Red Bull is a negative drink, then I can’t help. The substances in it could be derived from substandard sources. Even if they are of high quality, that mixture isn’t anything I’d consider healthy. Usually those that need energy drinks have poor diets and are lacking vitamins/minerals/supplements their body needs. This often creates the problem of having a lack of energy in the first place.

I have Chronic Fatigue/Fibro, I’d never use some crap drink like Red Bull to try to treat that. I east mostly organic foods, get about 33 grams of fiber a day, and supplement things I might lack.

For those that wonder the supplements I take are mostly from BlueBonnet, I avoid things with gelatin in them, trying mostly for vegan/vegetarian friendly ones. I take a B-50 Complex, Super Quercetin, Super Bromelain, NAC, Bilberry w/ Lutein, Magnessium w/ B6, Vitamin K, and Pygeum. I often take dry Vitamin E 400 IU w/ Selenium 200 mcgs, Beta-Caratene, Ginko Biloba, Milk Thistle, and Gotu Kola.

The trick is knowing what vitamins/supplements to take on an empty stomach, with water, after fat, or other foods. For example I get my Potassium and Calcium from my diet. I’ll take my Magnessium after consuming them for it to absorb better. After a while you start to learn what to take when. I’ll take my Super Bromelain before consuming food from potatoes. Healthy products don’t advertise or come up with catchy commercials and jingles.

Comment by Guyguy

April 19, 2008 @ 10:48 pm

I just want to apologize. I realize that this site is dedicated to intelligent discussion about RedBull and its ingredients, and that some people have put a lot of thought and energy into what’s in Redbull and whether or not it’s good or bad stuff. You people deserve better than to have to put up with this stuff from me. Honestly, Jizm, keep your username and I’ll just stop making posts and everyone else, when you see “Guyguy” as the username just ignore it.
I’m really sorry

Comment by Liquid Energy Poop

August 12, 2008 @ 1:39 pm

If you read all the way to this post you are probably wondering why you wasted your time. Apparently everyone has forgotten that this product is just another glittery sales trick that is NOT NECESSARY for your body or for your health so resolve to the fact that if you are endorsing this stuff you are sitting in the pen with all the other misguided sheep and you probably found this stuff when the quickie mart was out of Mountain Dew. Can you say NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE sucker?

Comment by Alternative

September 25, 2008 @ 2:57 am

Bring on XS; Number 1 in America. Made by a health & nutrition company. Researched before producing; not full of sugar. Loads of health benefits; even people like me with blood sugar & food allergy problems can have this drink only. Comes in 5 flavours & more to come. XS craps all over any other energy drink on the market so I’d not waste your time talking about red bull anymore. = )

Comment by Johny

October 28, 2008 @ 3:34 pm

Yeah, just did 35 bench of 90% of my weight, up from 25 3 weeks ago. Squats, I did 75, up from 53, 3 weeks ago. This was all to the power of RED BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH FOR ISOLATED FORMULA’S of GREATNESS, LOVE PURITY! THIS IS AN AWESOME FORUM OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLES!!

Comment by TITO

November 3, 2008 @ 4:18 am

out here in India its $2 per can

Comment by jenny

November 6, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

I have multiple sclerosis. My most bothersome syptoms are fatigue, concentration, and loss of memory. When I drink Red Bull, I can actually live. My doctor said I should’nt drink it. Instead, she wants to prescribe me ritalin for energy. I just don’t understand why Red Bull would be considered bad for me. I have not drank red bull for 3 days and once again, I am having a hard time driving. I just can’t focus. Could it be the Taurine that helps me? or the vitamins? or the cafiene? Whatever it is, it works for me.

Comment by amino acids

December 18, 2008 @ 11:06 pm

one red bull is three cups of coffee. sugar is bad for your immune system.

Comment by Gregory House MD

January 15, 2009 @ 11:02 am

Merriam Webster Refference Desk Dictionary cites:

A colorless crysralline cysteine derivative C2H7NO3S that is found in nerve tissue, in bile and in the juices of muscles and it is obtained as a clveage product of taurochloric Acid. An amino acid which helps in vision and alertness

I guess taurine is an Amino acid after all and its good for the body in controled amounts.

Comment by Swear by it

January 20, 2009 @ 11:44 am

I am so glad that you posted this about Red Bull and Chronic Fatigue. I have Chronic Fatigue and I can’t cope without my Red Bull. When you have a disease that is so debilitating that you can’t function, Red Bull is a blessing. What causes a racing heart in most folks just barely wakes me up. You can’t compare the effects of Red Bull on the average person to a person who has Chronic Fatigue. It is like comparing apples to oranges. I am glad to see I am not the only one…
Yes…
I swear by it!
Thank you!

Comment by areyouidiots?

February 9, 2009 @ 8:09 am

So if taurine were an amino acid it would be healthy? Anyone who thinks that is a complete moron, or at least totally ignorant of human biochemistry. You can easily kill yourself or permanently damage your brain or liver by taking large doses of many amino acids, even some of the essential amino acids. Taurine, on the other hand, is safe in virtually any dose. It also provides a wide array of healthy benefits such as increased concentration and learning ability.

Nothing in red bull is inherently bad for you - perhaps aside from caffeine, which is arguable. Even caffeine itself is really fine so long as you are not taking massive doses and then strenously exercising, and red bull provides no more caffeine than the average sized soda from mcdonalds or a large cup of coffee.

In fact, I’d say every single thing in red bull is healthy taken in reasonable doses, even the caffeine. The unhealthiest thing in there is actually niacin because the ‘niacin flush’, which is actually vasodilation caused by nitric oxide release, causes long term damage known as nitric oxide tolerance when taken in high doses. So, taking red bull chronically in large amounts would be a poor idea for this reason. It would lead to your arteries becoming stiffer and less easily able to properly relax, causing high blood pressure and aterioschlerosis. Niacin can also be toxic at high levels, especially to certain susceptible individuals, but that should not be an issue at the doses present in red bull.

Taurine is a naturally occuring compound in the body, and it’s one which is necessary to basic cellular metabolism. It’s also a neuroprotectant (which should eliminate most of the bad effects of chronic caffiene use) and has a relaxing but nondrowsying effect on the brain. It doesn’t cause dehydration as some extremely foolishly claim, but actually salvages potassium and magnesium in the cells, helping your body maintain its electrolyte balance and keep proper levels of hydration at a cellular level and actually helping to fight off dehydration.

As a precursor to taurine, glucuronolactone simply acts as a taurine doping agent, allowing for more taurine release in a steady manner over time. Again, perfectly safe and quite beneficial. I supplement with taurine daily, and the reason it’s probably really in red bull has nothing to do with energy, but because it suppresses some of the sympathetic nervous system side effects of caffeine. This could potentially cover up the stimulation of caffeine and allow people to take more than they normally would, but the idea that less than 300mg of caffeine caused someone’s death has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

I’m sure that the caffeine didn’t help with dehydration, and by now we know virtually all stimulants have this effect, but at the same time people don’t simply drop dead from heat exhaustion, either. They drop dead from exertion…because they overexerted themselves. Period. If he stopped for aminute and dranks some water, he’d be alive today.

There have been scares about stimulants and ’sudden death’ for 40 years, but it always turns out that the people who died either had serious underlying heart conditions or else they massively overexerted themselves without properly hydrating themselves.

You can wallow in your ignorance and bash on red bull’s ingredients all you want, but it’s just that - ignorance. Redbull probably has more nutrition in it than the average schmuck on the street gets in a week, and from some of the posts in here I think many of you could do with a red bull now and again to kick your brains into gear and stimulate some neural activity.

There’s nothing negative about red bull. If you stay up all night and feel shitty the next day, it’s not red bull’s fault, it’s because you were a complete idiot and stayed up all night, which is simply not healthy. If you stayed up all night drinking alcohol and red bull and got so dehydrated you died…again, it’s not red bull’s fault. The fault is entirely your own for being an ignorant twit.

Note that I don’t even drink red bull, but this alarmist crap annoys me in the extreme. Because of a few misguided squeaky wheels in many countries (especially australia and the sad nanny states of europe)it’s extremely difficult or even completely illegal to get supplements that are completely safe and have many benefits to them (including simple amino acids in many cases). It also leads to causing many relatively innocous compounds to be made inappropriately into prescription drugs, in some cases when the basic compounds have been in use for milennia with no cases of death or serious harm involved.

I am not referring to any recreational drugs here or anything that should be controversial or is remotely dangerous, just simple supplements that can have a positive effect in people’s lives that are maligned due to ignorance or pressure from pharmaceutical companies to control (and profit on) the treatments to every disease.

Comment by Fixeh

May 17, 2009 @ 10:36 pm

How can you people even CARE about Red Bull? This drink is just a mixture of Caffeine and B Vitamins, it’s god awful.

As for the effects of this drink on your health?

Seriously? Red Bull? It’s caffeine.

Totally irrelevant.

Millions of people take Amphetamine’s daily, and have absolutely no health problems. Amphetamines are speed. This is Caffeine.

Comment by steve

June 6, 2009 @ 11:46 pm

my girl drinks 64 oz a day every day…shes adicted and totaly nutz…

Comment by scurvy in the 21st century?

June 17, 2009 @ 3:29 pm

I know a girl who got SCURVY last year from drinking red bull and eating pizza all year (that was ALL SHE ATE no vitamins) Just take everythin gin moderation.

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