In the can: Red Bull's ingredients dissected
Broadcast: February 6, 2005
Developed in Austria, Red Bull's marketing campaign promises the beverage "gives you wings."
A drink that gives you wings? That sounds pretty potent. So what exactly is in Red Bull? The makers call it an "energy drink." People we've talked to describe it as "stimulating," "addictive" and even "crack in a can."
All of the ingredients found in Red Bull are synthetically produced. Most are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. According to Red Bull, this "guarantees highest quality."
Each 250 ml can of Red Bull contains the following:
Medicinal ingredients:Ingredient Amount
Taurine
An amino acid, taurine is important in several metabolic processes of the body. Also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. Taurine functions in electrically active tissues such as the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels and may have some antioxidant and detoxifying properties. 1000 mg
Glucuronolactone
A naturally occurring substance manufactured by the human body. Like taurine, glucuronolactone is supposed to detoxify the body. Little research has been done on the effects, and the only relevant studies have been conducted on animals so the risk to humans cannot be adequately assessed. Glucuronolactone has received some notoriety due to rumours that it was a Vietnam War era drug manufactured by the American government and led to several brain tumour deaths at the time. These rumours are not based on documented facts. 600 mg
Caffeine
An alkaloid found naturally in such foods as coffee beans, tea, kola nuts, Yerba maté, guarana, and (in small amounts) cacao beans. 80 mg
Niacin (niacinamide)
Also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, niacin is a water-soluble vitamin whose derivatives such as NADH play essential roles in energy metabolism in the living cell. Severe lack of niacin causes the deficiency disease pellagra, whereas a mild deficiency slows down the metabolism, which in turn decreases cold tolerance and is a potential contributing factor towards obesity. 18 mg
Pantothenic acid (calcium d-pantothenate)
An antioxidant, water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is found in whole grain cereals, legumes, eggs, meat and other foods. 6 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxide HCI)
A water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 performs a wide variety of functions in your body – for example, protein and red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems also require vitamin B6 to function efficiently and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (see above). 2 mg
Riboflavin
Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolizing of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins and can be found in milk, cheese, leafy green vegetables, liver, yeast, almonds and mature soybeans. 1.65 mg
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine)
Helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and needed for the production of DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is the cause of several forms of anaemia. Also called 'cobalamin' because it contains the metal cobalt. 1 mcg
(Sources: Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Journal of Chromatographic Science, Journal of Biochemistry, Wikipedia)
Non-medicinal ingredients:
Carbonated water
Sucrose
Glucose
Citric acid
Inositol
Flavours
Caramel