This
mix has been blamed for a
handful of deaths, all of which were surrounded by
media hype and purposeful mystification. Very few people fully understand the purpose of Red Bull, and believe without doubt that it is an infallible "performance enhancing drug". (The manufacturer, while stating relative truths on the official Red Bull web site, takes little action to actively dissuade this opinion.) Red Bull is a useful substance, in some circumstances. The official website (www.redbull.com) even recommends it for intense sporting events, with the following disclaimer:
"(Drink Red Bull) prior to demanding
athletic activities, or in a performance drop during a game. As
Red Bull has not been formulated to deliver
re-hydration, we encourage people who are engaged in sport also to
drink lots of water during intense exercise."
Red Bull isn't officially
recommended for consumption with alcohol. However, redbull.com states: "we have to reinforce the fact that only the
alcoholic part of the mixed drink can have a negative impact on
health." In short, it is their public opinion that Red Bull is no more harmful than any other
non-alcoholic mixer. Other sources disagree:
"(The consumption of Red Bull in conjunction with alcohol use) can lead to a wired and drunken feeling at best, nausea and heart disrhythmia at worse (sic)." Both alcohol and caffiene can contribute to dehydration, and Red Bull has a relatively high caffiene concentration. Combining the two drugs could result in severe dehydration. In addition to this, pre-existing heart conditions (even undetected ones) can exacerbate the effects of caffeine. Consumers with pre-existing heart conditions should avoid mixing stimulants such as caffiene and taurine with depressants such as alcohol due to the opposing ways these substances can affect the heart rate.
It would be overly reactionary to ban Red Bull itself because of a few deaths after unusually high consumption levels. A more reasonable solution is to consume both alcohol and Red Bull in moderation, ensuring that you remain hydrated by drinking water or another
hydrating substance also. Keep in mind that a 250mL can of Red Bull contains 80mg of
caffeine; the same amount as a 600mL bottle of coke, or a 330mL bottle of
Red Eye Platinum. However, your reaction to these drinks may differ as Red Eye and Red Bull take their caffiene content from guarana, and also contain other stimulants, only some of which I have mentioned here.
Sources:
www.redbull.com
www.redbull.co.uk
www.salon.com
www.spiked-online.com
news.bbc.co.uk
www.stltoday.com
CHOICE Magazine (Australian)
Wazzer (fellow E2 User)