Is Red Bull Really Safe? Unpacking Myths and Claims

Red Bull, one of the most popular energy drinks globally, is often surrounded by myths and claims regarding its health effects and benefits. From boosting productivity to being a potential trigger or remedy for migraines, these assertions raise important questions about the safety and efficacy of this widely consumed beverage.

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A recent video circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram suggest that Red Bull is unhealthy, particularly for adolescents. Also, that video shows a vehicle’s glass breaking when Red Bull is poured on it. Is this scientifically possible? Do you believe the pH of Red Bull (normally ranged between 2.6-3.4) is strong enough to break glass, or could there be another reason behind this occurrence? 

This fact-check examines these common claims about Red Bull, supported by information from the brand’s official webpage, expert opinions, and scientific research, to separate facts from misconceptions.

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However, some people view Red Bull as a valuable product and praise its benefits for boosting energy and enhancing productivity on various other social media platforms. 

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We decided to do a fact-check on this.

Fact Check 

Claim 1: Is Red Bull really unhealthy?

Red Bull’s official webpage states that its ingredients, including caffeine, taurine, and B-group vitamins, are safe for consumption. Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have confirmed the safety of energy drink ingredients multiple times (2009, 2015, 2017). Read here and here.

When we asked about Red Bull’s health and safety concerns, Professor Ananda Chandrasekara, President of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka, emphasizes that taurine, even at high doses, poses minimal health risks, such as increased urination associated with protein-rich diets. However, he further highlights that excessive caffeine intake can significantly raise heart rates, particularly in younger individuals. He further emphasized that moderate consumption (e.g., one can per day) is unlikely to cause harm, but excessive intake—such as drinking 20 cans daily—can result in health problems, including cardiovascular strain and increased heart rates.

Similarly, independent studies, such as those by Ahmed Abdulrahman Alsunni and Andrea Costantino, highlight potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks, including cardiovascular issues and nervous system disorders. Thus, while moderate consumption is considered safe, overuse can lead to adverse health effects. Read here and here

Claim 2: Can pouring Red Bull on vehicle glass cause it to break?

Professor Ananda Chandrasekara explained this claim by providing a logical explanation. He states that it is not scientifically possible for Red Bull, with a pH of 2.6-3.4, to cause such damage to glass. For comparison, other energy drinks, which have an even lower pH of around 2.5 (making it more acidic), does not break glass under normal conditions.

He suggests that the glass shown in the video might have already been compromised, such as having microcracks or pre-existing damage or sudden thermal stress, such as pouring cold Red Bull onto heated glass, could lead to breakage. 

Thus, while the video suggests that pouring Red Bull on vehicle glass caused it to break, this claim is unlikely to be valid based solely on the properties of Red Bull. However, spontaneous glass breakage could explain the phenomenon observed, ‘Why Does Glass Break for No Reason? (Spontaneous Breakage)’ Read here

Claim 3: Does drinking Red Bull daily boost productivity and help with busy schedules?

Studies from Andrea Costantino  and Scott C Forbes demonstrate that the combination of caffeine, taurine, and B-group vitamins in Red Bull enhances cognitive performance, alertness, and physical endurance. This makes it effective for boosting productivity during busy schedules. Read here and here. 

Further, the caffeine in Red Bull (approximately 80 mg per can) has been shown to relieve acute migraine symptoms for some individuals, particularly when combined with other analgesics. Research by C Alford indicates that caffeine can improve premonitory symptoms such as fatigue and drowsiness. 

However, the caffeine’s neuro-stimulant properties can exacerbate anxiety or restlessness, particularly in individuals sensitive to stimulants. Read here. Thus, overconsumption may lead to migraines becoming more frequent or chronic due to dependency or withdrawal effects. it is not a substitute for clinically proven migraine treatments. Migraine sufferers should monitor their caffeine intake, keeping it consistent and below 200 mg daily, to avoid potential adverse effects. Read here and here

Conclusion

Red Bull, like many energy drinks, is a product that offers both benefits and potential risks, depending on how it is consumed. Scientific research and expert opinions consistently highlight that Red Bull is safe for consumption in moderation, with its combination of caffeine, taurine, and B-group vitamins effectively boosting energy and cognitive performance. However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, such as cardiovascular strain, anxiety, or dependency, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Myths and misconceptions, such as Red Bull being strong enough to break glass, are scientifically implausible and often stem from other factors, such as pre-existing damage or thermal stress on the glass. Additionally, while Red Bull’s caffeine content can provide temporary relief from migraines or enhance productivity, it is not a substitute for proper medical treatments or balanced health practices.