Red Bull is a popular energy drink. It should provide a quick energy boost. But, do you know what is actually in it?
Glucose (Sugar)
Like most popular soft drinks, Red Bull is largely sugar water. Cells use sugar and can rapidly convert it into energy of course, but studies have debunked the existence of "sugar high".
Taurine
Known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, taurine is an aminosulfonic acid that was originally isolated from bull bile almost 200 years ago. Now made synthetically, taurine has wide-ranging effects even from the amount found in a single can (1 gram): Recent studies have shown that taurine can influence (and possibly reverse) defects in nerve blood flow, motor nerve conduction velocity, and nerve sensory thresholds.
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 Red Bull: its sale is actually prohibited in Denmark, France, Uruguay, and Norway. In France, Only energy drink without Taurine are sold.
Glucuronolactone
It has be known to improve memory and concentration. Users generally believe it fights fatigue and increases well-being. So little research has been done on glucuronolactone (and most of it 50 years ago) that almost all information about it is mere rumor. It has received some notoriety due to urban legends that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government and that it was banned due to several brain tumor-related deaths. The rumor has since been proven false.
Inositol
A carbohydrate found in animal muscle (sometimes called "meat sugar"), inositol is turning out to be a wonder drug that significantly reduces depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and obsessive- compulsive disorder but, due to its low quantity, you should drink hundreds of cans to get its benefits.
Niacin
Niacin is a B vitamin that helps in energy formation. It metabolizes energy from fat and carbohydrate. Niacin also increases the "good cholesterol" (HDL) by preventing the formation of triglycerides but, unfortunately, there isn't enough niacin in a Red Bull to have this benefit.
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.
Caffeine
All the things this drink is supposed to do for you (increase concentration and reaction speed, improve emotional state, and boost metabolism) are well known effects of this distant cousin of cocaine. Like alcohol, nicotine, and antidepressants, caffeine readily crosses the blood brain barrier. Once in the brain, the principal mode of action of caffeine is as an antagonist of adenosine receptors. The reduction in adenosine activity results in increased activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, largely accounting for the stimulatory effects of caffeine.
Caffeine can also increase levels of epinephrine (adrenaline) and serotonin, causing positive changes in mood.
One can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine (equivalent to one cup of coffee). Click on the table below to know what are the drinks with an higher level of caffeine.
