Bang Energy Drink is Safe to Consume. Presence of Citric Acid and Other Ingredients Does Not Make It Harmful.

Bang Energy is an American energy drink brand introduced in 2012 by Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX), founded by Jack Owoc. In June 2023, Monster Beverage Corporation acquired Bang Energy, and it is now distributed through Coca-Cola’s network. It was launched as a low-sugar, carbonated energy drink with a focus on high-quality nutritional supplements backed by scientific research. 

Recently, social media users had pointed out the presence of Citric Acid in the drink. The claim states that the citric acid present in the Bang Energy drink is made from a kind of black mold that is harmful upon consumption. Apart from this the post mentioned the presence of other ingredients like Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium benzoate and Cyanocobalamin which can lead to adverse health issues. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. All the ingredients mentioned, including Citric Acid, have been declared as safe to be used in consumable food products. 

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Fact Check- 

A keyword search led us to a website which has mentioned all the ingredients in the Bang Energy drinks. We found that citric acid, caffeine, sodium benzoate, acesulfame potassium and sucralose are present in the drink. 

Let’s look at the facts of each ingredient one by one.

Acesulfame Potassium (E950): Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K or E950 has been approved by FDA for use in food as a sweetener. The FDA approved acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) as a food additive in 1988 for certain foods and beverages, and in 2003, it was approved as a general sweetener and flavor enhancer. To ensure its safety, the FDA reviewed over 90 studies that looked at potential toxic effects, including its impact on reproduction, cancer risk, and metabolism. 

According to another report, the FDA and National Cancer Institute (NCI) had confirmed that Ace-K is safe and that there is enough evidence to say that it does not cause cancer or any other adverse health issues. In 2005, the National Toxicology Program conducted a large animal study where they gave mice acesulfame potassium, making up 3% of their diet, for over 40 weeks. This is roughly equal to a person consuming more than 1,000 cans of soft drinks daily. The study found no evidence of an increased risk of cancer in the mice.

Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is a chemical made by mixing benzoic acid with substances like baking soda or sodium hydroxide. It does not occur naturally. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, it is generally safe when used according to good manufacturing practices, with a maximum limit of 0.1% in food. The FDA has not confirmed its safety for other uses. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluated a study from Southampton University that suggested certain food additives, including artificial colors and sodium benzoate, might be linked to hyperactivity in children. EFSA reviewed the study and found that while some children may be sensitive to these additives, the overall evidence was not strong enough to confirm a direct link to hyperactivity. Based on this, EFSA did not change the safety limits for these additives but recommended further research.

Sucralose: Some studies show that sucralose can affect your gut by reducing good bacteria by half. Research on animals also suggests that it may cause inflammation in the body. Too much inflammation over time can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. 

However, sucralose is approved for use in food as a sweetener. It is sold under the brand name Splenda. The FDA approved sucralose for use in 15 food categories in 1998 and for use as a general-purpose sweetener for foods in 1999, under certain conditions of use. To determine the safety of sucralose, the FDA reviewed more than 110 studies designed to identify possible toxic effects, including studies on the reproductive and nervous systems, carcinogenicity, and metabolism. The FDA also reviewed human clinical trials to address metabolism and effects on patients with diabetes.

Below you can see the safe limit for each sweetener and the amount a person would need to consume to reach Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

Cyanocobalamin: The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements states that cyanocobalamin is a common and safe form of vitamin B12 used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is widely approved and used because it is stable and effective. Many dietary supplements, including protein shakes, contain cyanocobalamin as a B12 source. The body converts it into active forms of B12, making it beneficial for health.

Research on its link to cancer is mixed, with some studies suggesting high levels might increase risk, while others show no connection or even a protective effect. Although B12 helps lower homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease, studies show it does not reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Despite being essential for energy metabolism, B12 supplements do not boost energy or athletic performance unless there is a deficiency.

The FDA confirms that cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is safe and approved for treating B12 deficiency. It is well-tested and generally does not cause serious side effects, though some people may have mild reactions like slight irritation or allergies. The document provides safe dosage instructions and usage guidelines, showing that it is safe when used correctly. Since it is already FDA-approved for medical use, it is also safe to include in dietary supplements and fortified foods like protein shakes, as long as regulations are followed.

Vitamin B12, including cyanocobalamin, is generally safe, as excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. In rare cases, allergic reactions like itching, swelling, or rash can occur. If taken as an injection, some may experience pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Citric Acid: Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and animals. It appears as a colorless crystal or white powder. It can be obtained from natural sources like lemon or pineapple juice, or produced through fermentation using specific fungi such as Candida or Aspergillus niger. The citric acid used in food must meet the quality and purity standards set by the Food Chemicals Codex. It is approved for use in food without any restrictions if prepared under good manufacturing practices guidelines. 

Citric Acid (E330) is also listed under approved additives by Food Safety Standards in the UK. 

Caffeine: Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like coffee, tea, and cocoa, and is commonly added to foods and beverages including energy drinks. It is rapidly absorbed in the human body and can increase alertness but may also cause short-term effects such as anxiety and sleep disruption, especially in high doses.

EFSA conducted a risk assessment of Caffeine use during physical activity and in combination with alcohol or energy drink ingredients. The panel concluded that single doses up to 200 mg, and daily intakes up to 400 mg, are safe for healthy adults. For pregnant and lactating women, up to 200 mg per day is considered safe. For children and adolescents, a daily intake of up to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight is acceptable. 

EFSA also found no safety concerns when caffeine is consumed with common energy drink ingredients or moderate amounts of alcohol. 

Conclusion: Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Ingredients like Citric Acid, Acesulfame Potassium, Cyanocobalamin, caffeine etc in Bang Energy drinks meet the safety standards and are not harmful when consumed within the prescribed limits.