This energy drink is popular with young people especially. Is it good or bad for health?
Red Bull has long been banned in several countries. It is banned in Denmark because of the risk of cardiovascular disease it induces. It must bears the words "Not for children and pregnant women". It is also not recommended for patients with liver or kidney weakness. Recent studies have concluded that on the long-term energy drinks are dangerous.
Although Red Bull is an Austrian company, the drink has a Thai origin. The owner of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz discovered this beverage during a trip, the Thai gave it the name Krating Daeng, which means red bull. Name anglicized by Mateschitz and Italianized thereafter in Toro Rosso. A local firm producing the drink with which he signs an agreement to use the formula.
It is an energy drink that can replace coffee and used by local drivers. In fact it contains high levels of caffeine and is not better than coffee in terms of health. Coffee has a beneficial side: tannin, a powerful antioxidant, and a rather harmful side: caffeine. Only the latter is included in the Red Bull drink.
It contains taurine, an amino acid that is found in quantity in the bile of bull. Attributed to taurine some beneficial effects, but little is known about the real effects in large quantities of this product.
The consumption of two cans per day let to absorb a dose of taurine (2000 mg) 10 times greater than what is commonly taken from food.
Red Bull also contains glucuronolactone (1000 times more than what is found in food), which promotes concentration but is harmful to the kidneys.
This is not an energy drink to be used by athletes (unlike Isostar). It does not quench the thirst and helps to further dehydration. Its only advantage for the sport is sugar, which can be consumed directly with water instead (preferably also in the form of fructose).
The National Federation of State High School Associations made the assumption that energy drinks in general should not be used for hydration.
It is recommended instead athletes to drink chocolate. It provides carbohydrates and proteins (in milk) and contains antioxidants.
Acute Effects of Red Bull on Platelet and Endothelial Function. A study.
A Randomized Trial of Cardiovascular Responses to Energy Drink Consumption in Healthy Adults This study published November 8, 2015 concluded that an energy drink cans per day significantly augments cardiovascular risks. Another 2015 study found that adolescents victims of brain trauma are most often energy drinks consumers.
Energy-drink consumption is associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in Korean adolescents Energy drink consumption is associated with many ailments according to a Korean study published in 2020.
